The Middle Ages, a dark century, in some ways still to be investigated. But it saw the birth of some of the most extraordinary sites in the architectural history of what would later become Western Europe. Art historians compress the Romanesque between the end of the 10th century and the first decades of the 12th, after the barbarian invasions and before the prevailing advent of the Gothic. In fact, a style that is nourished and softened by influences from the territory, welcomes different suggestions, but manages to develop autonomously. Examples are the French and German cathedrals, but also Sant’Ambrogio in Milan or San Miniato in Tuscany
It was born along these lines Romanesque Italya route dedicated to the art and architecture of the Italian Middle Ages, which unwinds over over one hundred cathedrals, abbeys, monasteries and country churches in Sardinia, Sicily and Lombardy.
Italia Romanica intends to shine a spotlight on the Romanesque in Italy. Until October 1st, guided tours, events and experiences dedicated to an extraordinary era interpreted by great sculptors, painters, architects and engineers who left their mark on the history of Italian art. Around 100 Romanesque places in Sicily, Sardinia and Lombardy will be digitised, promoted, told and opened at the same time with a guided tour. Just as an example – but the list is very long, it will be available here – in Sardinia the church of Nostra Signora de su Regnu in Ardara and the church of San Piero del Crocifisso in Bulzi, the Basilica of SS. Trinità di Saccargia, in Codrongianus all municipalities in the province of Sassari; the Basilica of San Saturnino in Cagliari, the monumental complex of Santa Maria di Monserrato with the medieval village in Tratalias (Carbonia), San Pietro extra muros in Bosa. In Sicily where the Romanesque style is stylistically influenced by Byzantine and Arab-Norman influences, the Torre di Federico and the Castello di Lombardia in Enna, the church of the SS. Annunziata dei Catalani and the Abbey of Santa Maria di Mili in Messina, the church of San Nicolò Regale and the Regal Abbey of Santa Maria dell’Alto in Mazara del Vallo; the Basilica of Santa Giulia in Bonate Sotto and San Tomé in Almenno San Bartolomeo, in the Bergamo area.
“/>
Our Lady of su Regnu in Ardara (SS)
The intent is to create a single widespread and narrated museum that proceeds by geographical areas and historical-artistic indications, hoping for the participation of other regions where the Romanesque has particularly developed.
