Codrongianos

Population: 1,300
Altitude: 317 m. above sea level

Codrongianos is a small town in the Province of Sassari, which rises up on the Logudoro hills and is particularly noted for the nearby monumental complex of the Santissima Trinità di Saccargia. The latter is in fact one of the most beautiful examples of Romanesque-Pisan architecture on the island and is a favourite destination for visitors throughout the year.

The church was built during the XII century by the Camaldolite Order and was consecrated in 1116.
Its evident artistic value, together with its historical and religious importance, make it the pride of the people of Codrongianos. There are various theories behind the origins of the place-name, "Saccargia".
The most common theory is that the name derives from "s'acca argia", meaning "broken cow", from the image engraved in a capital of the porch in front of the church.

The basilica rises up next to the ruins of the ancient Camaldolite monastery and is an extraordinary monument which presents visitors with beautiful chromatic variations and different architectural styles.
These diverse elements blend together and include characteristics from Tuscany and Lombardy, Byzantine motifs from Calabria, as well as other Islamic elements which came from Sicily.

The structure is a harmonious and elegant architectural delight: the facade is decorated with ashlars of light limestone alternating with dark basalt; it is divided into two arrangements of blind arcades decorated with chiselled rhombuses,
inlaid clipei and coloured ceramic "bacini".

On the left of the basilica the majestic bell tower rises up to a height of approx. 40 metres.
It is one of the few examples of its kind to have survived from the Romanesque period almost perfectly preserved.
Inside the church there is a single nave which leads to a transept with three apses, the central one of which is enriched with a fresco dating back to the end of the XII century.

The popular and religious festivities celebrated in honour of the SS. Trinità di Saccargia are held at Codrongianos on the 14/15/16 of June.
The surrounding countryside also offers places of interest, such as the Nuraghe Nieddu, particularly fascinating because of its remarkable height.