San Gemiliano, Romanesque church in Sestu, Italy.
San Gemiliano is a Romanesque church divided into two naves by three supporting pillars that hold barrel vaults above double arches. Limestone forms the entire structure, which is accessed through three exterior doorways in the front wall.
This church was built in the 13th century on land that people had already inhabited during prehistoric times. Archaeological remains from the Eneolithic period show that the site held human settlements long before the religious structure was erected.
The three exterior doorways display floral carvings and palm leaf ornaments that show the craft traditions of medieval Sardinia. These details reveal what local builders valued in their religious spaces during that time.
The church grounds feature restored traditional lodgings called cumbessias that welcome pilgrims and visitors during religious celebrations and local events. These restored buildings offer overnight accommodations for those attending special gatherings at the site.
The structure reveals an unfinished expansion from the 16th century, where builders added a three-nave porch that was never completed. This abandoned project remains visible today and shows how medieval construction plans sometimes changed or were left incomplete.
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