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Nostra Signora del Regno and Sant’ Antioco di Bisarcio

map with both churches

Ardara, Nostra Signora del Regno

Ardara, Nostra Signora del Regno - the Black Dome

Ardara is a small village situated slightly south of SS 597 on a hill. In the Middle Ages, Ardara was intermittently the capital of the Torres province.
The main attraction is the Church of Nostra Signora del Regno – sometimes also referred to as Santa Maria del Regno.

Because the church is entirely built from dark volcanic stone, it is also known as “the Black Dome of Ardara.” It was constructed at the beginning of the 12th century and consecrated in 1107.
The architectural style of the unknown builder influenced further church constructions in Sardinia, such as San Nicola in Ottana and Santa Maria in Bonarcado.

Ardara, Nostra Signora del Regno - IInterior

The interior of the church is sparsely decorated. The first things that catch the eye are the columns painted with ancient frescoes. The wooden pulpit dates back to the 16th century.
The most valuable piece is the huge altarpiece, composed of thirty individual paintings. It was created in 1515 by Giovanni Murru and is considered one of the most beautiful altarpieces in Sardinia.

Enzio, the son of the Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II, married Adelasia here in 1238 – the heiress of the then-judicatures of Torres and Gallura.

Unlike other Pisan churches in Sardinia, Nostra Signora del Regno is used for daily worship services.

Sant’Antioco di Bisarcio

Sant' Antioco di Bisarcio

If you continue driving from Ardara on SS 597 towards Olbia, after about 9 km, a signposted junction leads northwards.
Here, on a small hill, stands the rural church of Sant’Antioco di Bisarcio, whose visit is worthwhile solely due to its unique location.
From the hill, the view extends far over the surrounding plain of Logudoro.
It is most beautiful here in the late afternoon hours, just before sunset. At that time, the facade is directly illuminated by the setting sun.

Sant' Antioco di Bisarcio

From 1065 to 1503, a Catholic diocese was located here. The then village of Bisarcium was also the seat of the bishop.

Reddish trachyte from the surrounding area was used as the material for construction. The building was realized in several phases. Parts of the church wall from the first phase in the 11th century are still preserved. The basic layout with three naves and the apse also dates back to this time.

In the 12th century, the church was destroyed by a fire, and the local bishop moved to Ardara. The next phase of construction was completed in 1174.

The village of Bisarcio was located around the church, but it was abandoned in the 18th century. As a result, the church fell into disrepair. It was restored several years ago and is now managed by a cooperative.

Sant' Antioco di Bisarcio, InteriorThe interior is almost devoid of decoration.
The capitals of the columns largely feature fantastic and finely crafted motifs: flowers, sun and star symbols, mythical creatures, faces of humans and animals, as well as demon grimaces.