A lot of churches in Sassari and its hinterland are well-worth a visit

In Sassari there are many churches of oustanding artistic value. Among these we mention the cathedral of San Nicola, the patron saint of the city: placed in the old town centre, a few steps away from the Ducal Palace, it has been constructed in different periods. Its facade in Seventeen Century baroque style stands out(shine the statues of San Nicola, Gavino, Proto and Gianuario) but the original dates back to XII century. The same can be said about the bell tower, completed in the XVIII century. Inside the church you will find many art works from the XIV to the XIX century.

We suggest also visiting  the monastery of San Pietro di Silki (XI-XII century) and the churches of Santa Maria di Betlem (the original structure dates back to XII century but it has subsequently  suffered numerous interventions; it guards a large  part of the wooden candles used on 14th August for the festivity of the Candelieri),  San Donato (constructed in the XVII century on the remaines of a building of the 1200's, inside of it you will find a valuable altar in inlaid wood), Santa Caterina (datad back to the end of 1500's and the beginning of 1600's) and  Rosario (XVII century; inside of it a golden altar in wood, in baroque style, of good workmanship: it testifies the cleverness of the sassaresi engravers since 1600's).

It dates back to the end of the XI century the country church of San Michele di Plaiano, only a few kilometers away from Sassari. The building was modified around 1116. It was built close to the ruins of an ancient abbey. Interesting some inlays in the facade. Outside the inhabited center of Sassari, we suggest a visit to the country churches of Santa Barbara (constructed in 1270) and Sant’Orsola (peculiar its oval plant).