About
In Sardinia's countryside sits a striped 12th-century basilica.
Though the black-and-white basilica dates back to the early 12th century, the site upon which it was built was home to religious institutions for far longer, and the ruins of an ancient monastery can still be found on the grounds. At the time the basilica was erected, the Italian island was divided into four kingdoms known as the Judicatures, or Giudicati. Judge Constantine of Torres and his wife had allegedly visited the monastery of the Camaldolese order, asking to be blessed with a child. After his wife gave birth, the judge ordered the construction of the church—a gift to the monks. Built on the ruins of an old monastery, Santissima Trinità di Saccargia underwent several significant renovations over its many centuries; in 1116, it was entrusted tothe Camaldolese order.
