Santa Maria di Betlem, Romanesque church in Sassari, Italy
Description
Santa Maria di Betlem is a Romanesque church in Sassari with a gabled sandstone facade and a large rose window above the entrance. The structure is crowned by an elliptical dome topped with a cylindrical bell tower.
History
The church was built in the 13th century as the first house of worship in Sassari and was renovated several times over the centuries. Gothic and Neoclassical elements were added during these rebuilding campaigns, shaping the exterior we see today.
Culture
The church holds seven massive candlesticks that represent medieval trade guilds and play a central role in the annual procession on August 14th. These candles remain a living symbol of craft traditions that continue to be celebrated in local festivities.
Practical
The interior is accessible during daylight hours and allows visitors to explore the space from within. Nearby attractions such as another cathedral and a museum make it easy to combine this visit with other points of interest in the area.
Did you know?
The lateral chapels contain ceremonial candles used during an annual procession that commemorates a historical plague epidemic. This event weaves together religious tradition with local history in a distinctive way.
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