Discover Romanesque: Peoples and Legends

Legend of the foundation of Santissima Trinità di Saccargia

The consecration act of the Santissima Trinità di Saccargia, known from a 17th-century version, reports some precious information about the reconstruction of the historic context when the church was built. Yet, it presents a few legendary features to be taken with caution. According to this source, the Saccargia complex had been built by will of Costantino I, sovereign of Torres, and his wife Marcusa, in order to fulfil a vow. According to the tradition the two sovereigns, being unable to conceive an heir, went on pilgrimage to the church of Porto Torres dedicated to the martyrs Gavinus, Protus and Januarius. During the journey, at a stopover near the Saccargia area, the married couple had a vision promising them a grace if they had a church and a monastery built, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, in that very place.