Sardinian architectural peculiarities are found most of all in early Christian, Byzantine and Romanesque churches. Just to mention the most important ones.
Sardinian architectural peculiarities are found most of all in early Christian, Byzantine and Romanesque churches. Countryside churches and traditional buildings also can be very interesting. The most important Early Christian monuments are the hypogeum of S. Salvatore near Cabras (OR), a holy well used as an Early Christian place of worship during the IV century. S. Saturno church in Cagliari and S. Giovanni of Sinis near Cabras (OR). This last dates back to the V-VI century; the Shrine of Our lady of Bonacattu in Bonàrcado and the catacombs in S. Antioco’s church in the homonymous town.
Byzantine churches we suggest are: S. Sabina in Silanus, the oratory of the souls in Massama from the VIII-IX century, the oratory of S. Giovanni in Assemini, S. Maria of Bubabis (Mesumundu) from VII-IX century and S. Maria Iscala in Cossoìne.
Thanks to the arrival of Pisan masons during the first part of the XI century, the most important Sardinian architectural style is undoubtedly Romanesque. Connoiseurs of the Romanesque style must pay a visit to these churches: S. Gavino in Porto Torres, S. Giusta in the homonymous town, Our lady of Tergu, S. Antioco of Bisarcio, S. Maria of Bonarcado, S. Maria of Tratalias, S. Maria of Uta, S. Maria del Regno in Ardara, S. Nicola in Ottana, S. Pantaleo in Dolianova, S. Pietro of Bosa, S. Pietro di Sorres. S. Simplicio in Olbia, S.S. Trinità di Saccargia not far from Codrongianus.
A visit to the Sardinian Romanesque style can be implemented with a glance to the tiny Romanesque churches located in the countryside such as Our lady of Castro, S. Lussorio near Fordongianus, S. Maria of Sibiola near Serdiana, S. Pietro di Simbranos, near Bulzi, S. Elia and S. Enoch, on the Monte Santo and S. Leonardo near Luogosanto.
The enchanting territory where these countryside churches are located is worth a visit anyhow. Moreover we suggest a visit to the traditional houses of the different Sardinian regions such as the “lolla” in the Campidano, the “stazzo” in Gallura (symbol of an autarchic economy) and the shepherds’ shelters better known as “pinnetas” located on mountains and tablelands.