Mystery surrounds other religious buildings. The Cathedral of San Pietro near Bosa, which dates from 1072, is said to have been built on the site of the mythical Calmedia, a lost city that has never been found. The same is true of the Cathedral of San Pietro di Sorres, one of the most beautiful monuments of Christian art, which was built of volcanic material taken from a nearby area by the inhabitants of another lost city, Sorra. We do not know who the architect of this magnificent Cathedral was.

 
S. Pietro Extramuros near Bosa
S. Pietro Extramuros near Bosa
S. Gavino in Porto Torres
S. Gavino in Porto Torres

 
Two other testaments to faith are the big basilicas dedicated to Sardinian martyrs; the basilica of San Simplicio in Olbia and the basilica of San Gavino in Porto Torres, which are well worth visiting. Only two churches have 3 main doors, the purple tinted trackytic cathedral of San Pantaleo in Dolianova, and the Duomo in Cagliari.
Any tour of these historical churches, would be incomplete without a visit to perhaps the most beautiful building among Sardinian mediaeval churches; the Basilica della SS. Trinità di Saccargia, in the province of Sassari. Built of alternate rows of horizontal white limestone and black basalt, this basilica is the earliest Sardinian monument in the style of the big Tuscan churches, in particular, in the style of the churches in Pisa. The judge Costantino I and his wife Marcusa, a very religious and popular woman, decided to build this beautiful basilica. According to legend, this decision was taken after they had received a grace (favour) from God. This basilica was solemnly consecrated in 1116. 11 years later the judge Costantino I died and was buried in the basilica. Marcusa was devastated and decided to leave for Sicily, where she founded a hospital. Then she pined slowly away, passing her last days in prayer and remembering her husband.

 
S.S. Trinità of Saccargia
S.S. Trinità of Saccargia
S.S. Trinità of Saccargia
S.S. Trinità of Saccargia

 
After many centuries, the basilica of Saccargia is still an important reference point for the faithful of Sardinia, who still go to this church to be released from a vow, to beg for grace or simply to prey. As in the past this basilica impresses everybody with its elegant lines of white limestone and black basalt, a voiceless testimony to a great story of faith and religiousness.

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