Search Hotels

The Church of the Holy Trinty (Santissima Trintà) of Saccargia is among the most beautiful Romanesque-Pisan churches of Sardinia. It was built in the twelfth century through the work of the Order Camaldolese and consecrated in 1116, following the donation of Constantine I, Judge of Torres. The basilica was part of a large monastic complex of which the remains are visible on the right side of the basilica. From the architectural point of view, the structure is harmonious and elegant. The facade is lined with rows of limestone blocks of alternating light dark basalt, is divided into two rows of blind arches decorated with diamond grading, colored Ciplea inlaid and coloured ceramic disks. The porch, which stands in front of the façade, dates from the late twelfth century, and is supported by pillars and columns with capitals richly decorated with zoomorphic and phitmirphic subjects. On the left capital is carved the the subject of the "cow", recalling the name of the church, as seems that Saccargia belongs to the Sardinian dialect "Sa vacca arza" that means "spotted haired cow". The same valley where stands the church was suitable for grazing cattle. On the left side of the basilica stands the majestic bell tower, the height of 40 meters, one of the few surviving examples of the Romanesque period.

Inside, the church has a nave ending in a transept with three apses. The central apse, wider than the lateral, is enriched by a remarkable fresco from the late twelfth century. The fresco is divided into three sections: in the apse is Christ blessing surrounded by angels and archangels. In the central belt are represented the Apostles and the Virgin praying. The last group presents stories of the Passion of Christ. The work is one of the rare examples of Romanesque mural painting in Sardinia.