Basilica of San Gavino

Basilica di San Gavino

The Basilica di San Gavino, also known as the Basilica of Saint Gabinus, is a significant proto-Romanesque church situated in Porto Torres, Sardinia, Italy. It holds historical importance as a former cathedral and the seat of the bishopric of Turris Libisonis for nearly a millennium, from 489 to 1441. Today, it functions as a parish church and serves as a veneration site for local martyrs, particularly Saint Gabinus, whose remains are believed to be interred within the church.

History and Construction

The origins of the Basilica di San Gavino are rooted in the early 11th century. Historical records indicate that Gonario I, the giudice (duke) of Torres and Arborea, commissioned its construction, entrusting the work to Pisan masters. The building project continued under his son, Barisone I, and the basilica was officially inaugurated in 1080 by Marianus I of Arborea and Archbishop Constantine of Castra. The church is located in an area of Porto Torres known for its Paleo-Christian necropolis and ancient basilicas dating from the 5th to 7th centuries AD, with one of these earlier structures built over the tomb of Saint Gabinus.

Over the centuries, the basilica has undergone several modifications and restorations. An epigraph found on the Romanesque portal attests to restoration work undertaken in the 15th century, which incorporated Catalan-Gothic architectural elements. This period saw the addition of a new portal in the Catalan-Gothic style, featuring a rounded arch supported by columns with capitals depicting angels and coats of arms. Further renovations occurred in the 18th century, specifically to the crypt, to better house the remains of the martyrs of Torres, which were discovered in 1614.

Architectural Features

The Basilica di San Gavino exhibits a proto-Romanesque architectural style, characterized by its robust construction and relatively simple forms. The exterior is notable for its two apses, positioned at either end of the rectangular plan, and is adorned with blind columns and Lombard bands. The ceiling is covered with lead plates. The church is situated between two courtyards, known as atrio Comita and atrio Metropoli.

Internally, the basilica comprises a nave and two aisles. These are divided by two series of rounded arches supported by twenty-two columns, many of which are spolia (repurposed material) taken from ancient edifices and are made of gray marble and pink granite. Three pairs of cruciform pilasters also contribute to the structural support. The majority of the capitals are of Roman origin. The nave is significantly wider than the aisles, approximately three times its width, and is covered by wooden trusses, while the aisles feature cross vaults. The high altar, which was historically located in the center of the nave until the 19th century, is now situated in the south-western apse. The opposing apse contains a 17th-century wooden catafalque that houses polychrome statues of the martyrs Gabinus, Protus, and Ianuarius.

Access to the anti-crypt, which is in Renaissance style and contains statues of martyrs, is provided through the aisles. Below the anti-crypt lies the crypt, which holds ancient Roman sarcophagi. These sarcophagi, in turn, contain the remains attributed to the martyrs of Torres.