“Ever wish you could find a seaside haven reminiscent of Italy right here in South Africa?” That is what Joseph Rubbi must have thought. Welcome to St Joseph’s Chapel. This chapel stands as a tribute to Joseph Rubbi and his love for this coastal landscape.
Joseph Rubbi was born in Marostica near Padua in Italy in 1873. He became a leading building contractor in Cape Town. One of his legacies is this very chapel. But his story began long before its construction.
Rubbi arrived in South Africa in 1891. He sought better prospects after a stint in Argentina. He worked on Transvaal mines until 1895. Then, he moved to Cape Town. His sister Maria joined him as his housekeeper.
Though trained as a carpenter, Rubbi excelled in building and construction. He erected buildings on Robben Island for the Cape Government. He also built the Salesian Institute and the Old Mutual skyscraper.
Rubbi’s success allowed him to settle in Cape Town permanently. He married Ines Mattiello, his childhood sweetheart. They made their home in Oranjezicht. However, Kommetjie held a special place in Joseph’s heart.
In 1904, Rubbi and his friends bought adjacent plots in Kommetjie. Ernst Seeliger designed four nearly identical holiday homes. Rubbi built them using Table Mountain sandstone.
Joseph loved Kommetjie’s unspoiled nature and Long Beach. He often retreated here with Ines. She loved riding her horses. Joseph enjoyed mountain walks. His favorite spot was a boulder on Slangkop. From there, he could see Long Beach and Hout Bay. It reminded him of Padua.
Rubbi wished to be buried in Kommetjie. He wanted to be “on the high”. He died in 1946. His wife Ines sought permission to bury him on Slangkop. J.G. van der Horst granted it willingly.
Ines erected a vault to house Joseph’s remains. She purchased land around the grave. The Rubbi Building Company constructed the underground vault. It was made of concrete. It had space for both Joseph and Ines’ coffins.
Above the vault, Ines built an elaborate tomb. It had three terraces of Table Mountain sandstone. Once the tomb was complete, Ines decided to build a chapel. It would honor her husband’s memory.
The Bishop initially objected to the chapel. He felt Fish Hoek needed a church more. But Ines persisted. Norman Lubinsky, a Yugoslav architect, designed the chapel.
During a trip to Italy, Ines bought three bells. The steeple had to be added to house them. The bells were poorly cast. In 1985, they were replaced with a single bell from Holland. It bears an inscription in Latin.
Marble from Italy adorns the altar, rails, and statues. An Italian craftsman installed them. The mosaic of the Madonna and Child came from Ines’ bedroom. The ceiling painting depicts Mary, Jesus, Elizabeth, and John. It is a copy of Andrea del Sarto’s work. Local artist James Eddie painted the other two ceiling paintings.
The chapel opened in 1948. For years, a priest said Mass monthly during summer holidays. The Archdiocese acquired plots near the chapel. Ines died in 1978 and was buried beside Joseph.
The Rubbis had no children. Joseph left his estate to charity. In Italy, he supported an orphanage and old-age home. In South Africa, he donated to Stellenbosch University and Groote Schuur Hospital. His construction firm went to his nephew.
Ines left the chapel to the Norbertine Fathers. They established a Priory in Kommetjie in 1967. The chapel became part of their mission. Over time, the chapel became too small. St Norbert’s Church was built over the Rubbi’s vault.
Today, St Joseph’s Chapel stands as a testament to love. It reflects Joseph and Ines Rubbi’s enduring legacy. It also shows their deep connection to this beautiful place.