Cattedrale di sant’Antonio Abate, Castelsardo.
SARDENYA 2024
The Co-Cathedral of Saint Anthony Abbot (Cattedrale di Sant'Antonio Abate) is the most important place of worship in Castelsardo, a picturesque medieval town perched on a promontory in northern Sardinia. Its location is dramatic, dominating the old town and offering stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Asinara.
Key Highlights
History and Style: The current church, consecrated as a cathedral in 1503, stands on the ruins of an ancient Romanesque church. It features a fascinating blend of architectural styles, primarily Catalan Gothic (from the period of the Crown of Aragon) with later additions of Renaissance Classicism and Baroque elements (16th–18th centuries).
The Bell Tower: Its most distinctive feature is the tall bell tower, which was originally a lighthouse tower from the Doria family era (founders of the town). Its dome is covered in polychrome majolica tiles from the 17th century, making it a visible symbol of Castelsardo.
Artistic Treasures: The interior, featuring a single nave and side chapels, houses several significant artworks. The most prominent is the altarpiece featuring the Virgin and Child Enthroned, painted in the late 15th century by the mysterious "Master of Castelsardo," located on the main altar.
Museum and Crypts: Beneath the cathedral, the crypts (carved into the living rock, remnants of the former Romanesque church) host the Ampuriense Diocesan Museum. This museum displays the "Treasure of the Old Diocese," including sacred vestments and other panels from altarpieces.
Panoramic Views: From the cathedral square, visitors are treated to a unique panoramic view that stretches out toward the island of Asinara.
Cattedrale di sant’Antonio Abate, Castelsardo.
SARDENYA 2024
The Co-Cathedral of Saint Anthony Abbot (Cattedrale di Sant'Antonio Abate) is the most important place of worship in Castelsardo, a picturesque medieval town perched on a promontory in northern Sardinia. Its location is dramatic, dominating the old town and offering stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Asinara.
Key Highlights
History and Style: The current church, consecrated as a cathedral in 1503, stands on the ruins of an ancient Romanesque church. It features a fascinating blend of architectural styles, primarily Catalan Gothic (from the period of the Crown of Aragon) with later additions of Renaissance Classicism and Baroque elements (16th–18th centuries).
The Bell Tower: Its most distinctive feature is the tall bell tower, which was originally a lighthouse tower from the Doria family era (founders of the town). Its dome is covered in polychrome majolica tiles from the 17th century, making it a visible symbol of Castelsardo.
Artistic Treasures: The interior, featuring a single nave and side chapels, houses several significant artworks. The most prominent is the altarpiece featuring the Virgin and Child Enthroned, painted in the late 15th century by the mysterious "Master of Castelsardo," located on the main altar.
Museum and Crypts: Beneath the cathedral, the crypts (carved into the living rock, remnants of the former Romanesque church) host the Ampuriense Diocesan Museum. This museum displays the "Treasure of the Old Diocese," including sacred vestments and other panels from altarpieces.
Panoramic Views: From the cathedral square, visitors are treated to a unique panoramic view that stretches out toward the island of Asinara.