Cripta di Sant'Agostino, Underground chapel in Stampace district, Cagliari, Italy
Cripta di Sant'Agostino is an underground chapel in the Stampace district accessible through a spiral staircase in Palazzo Accardo's entrance hall. Inside, a classical marble altar from the 1600s holds a niche with a statue of Saint Augustine, surrounded by decorative tiles and religious ornaments.
The crypt held the remains of Saint Augustine from 504 to 722, brought to Cagliari by Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe while fleeing North Africa. After this period, the remains were moved elsewhere, but the space remained a sacred chapel.
The crypt walls display tiles from the 1600s with Spanish patterns, mixing Iberian craftsmanship with Italian religious design. This decoration reflects the island's Mediterranean connections across centuries.
To visit, enter Palazzo Accardo on Largo Carlo Felice and look for the spiral staircase in the entrance area. The descent requires some physical effort, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
Behind the altar lies a hidden cavity that once held sacred relics and a spring, which locals believed had healing powers. This concealed chamber reveals how worshippers linked physical spaces with spiritual meaning.
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