Abbey of St. Peter of Sorres, architecture and symbols

San Pietro di Sorres is the only Benedictine abbey in Sardinia, of great artistic and cultural value.

The cathedral is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful Romanesque-Pisan style churches on the island and housed the seat of the diocese of Sorres in the Middle Ages. Definitely a stop to include in your itinerary when you decide to explore northern Sardinia.

It was built between the 12th and 13th centuries near an ancient nuraghe, specifically on a hill in Borutta, in the province of Sassari (historical region of Meilogu).

The west-facing façade of the abbey is the most elaborate architectural element of the entire monument and is characterized by a strong symbolism, which we can summarize as "Easter walk to resurrection."

We also point out the Madonna and Child, a statue dating back to the 15th century, venerated as queen of the Meilogu. You can admire it by walking down the left aisle.

The ensemble of the Abbey of St. Peter of Sorres is striking in its harmony of form and color.

It infuses the feeling of majesty, so much so that the cathedral was declared a national monument in 1894.

Symbolism

The church is strongly imbued with symbolism. Indeed, it is Peter's ship, stretched out toward the risen Christ. The believer, arriving at the abbey, travels a path from sunset to sunrise, a metaphor for the path from death to life, from sin to grace.

In addition to the monastery, you can take the opportunity to visit The Ulari Cave is located at the base of the monastery hill and is a testimony to the Neolithic period.

Photo by HrodebertRobertus on Visual hunt / CC BY-ND