San Michele di Salvenero

San Michele di Salvenero is a Romanesque church in Ploaghe with a T-shaped layout and three apses at its ends. The roof above the main body is wooden, while the arms of the transept are covered with cross vaults.

The church was built between the late 11th and early 13th centuries from limestone and medium-sized stone blocks. The bell tower collapsed in the 15th century, shortly after the Vallombrosa monks abandoned the site.

The church is dedicated to the Archangel Michael and shows marks left by visitors who came here over centuries. The interior carries a sense of abandonment that reflects the monks who once cared for it departing long ago.

Visiting requires caution as the building is undergoing restoration work. Check accessibility beforehand and inquire about ongoing work before planning your visit.

The walls blend limestone and basalt in an unusual construction method. A former entrance was removed around 150 years ago, but traces of it remain visible on the facade.

Location: Ploaghe

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture in Sardinia

GPS coordinates: 40.65829,8.71523

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:00