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St. Maria |
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This church is consecrated to Madonna d' Itria, and it is located on the side of the exuberant forest of St. Maria, ca. 10Km from Sadali. |
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| It is very difficult to say precisely when this church was built; an analysis of the two punctures on the side wall (on the left of the front side) suggests an origin back in the 6 th century A.C.: two calcareous plates have the shape of St. Eufemia's cross, which was typical of that time. Based on this assumption and on other bibliographic sources, it can be assumed that the church was built in two main periods. First Period. First half of the 12t th century: the original nucleus was built in roman style. Second Period. 20 th century: during the first half of the century the church was enlarged with a lateral aisle. During the second half of the century, after several years of abandon, the church has been restorated. The material used was ashlard of local tufa. |
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EXTERNAL: People who travel on the S.S.198 are amazed when they see next to the corner-cupboard of ANAS, a small construction plastered with a delicate old pink, which invites them to stop there and to visit it. This place offers not only the possibility to park the car under the shadow of the high trees, but also a real parking place. The main side of the church is very simple, linear and asymmetric. In the middle there is a wooden portal with two battens, and the top has a bell-tower and a couple of monofore. Also the side walls are very simple and delicate. On the left side there are only two small openings, with a cross plate; the other side has a window and a second entrance, made of wood. |
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| INTERNAL: The ambiance is very simple, originally there was only one aisle, with four semicolons which support the ceiling made of wood and 'incannicciato'. This ceiling has been made during the last restoration; originally it was made with juniper, cane and Sardinian tales. The altar, ante ceded by some steps and situated on the wall, is very simple and has no lush decorations. The cosy atmosphere is dominated by the light filtered by the small openings, which is diffused between the semicolons, on the marble floor, on the ceiling and on the delicate plaester of the walls. |
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