Chiesa Santa Croce

The church of Santa Croce a Ittireddu, also known by the evocative appellations of 'Santa Maria del Cimitero' or 'Madonna de s'Ena frisca', stands as a fascinating example of Sardinian sacred architecture, characterised by an extraordinary essentiality and formal elegance. This multiple name not only reflects the richness of the local tradition, but also offers interesting insights into the history and function of the building in the social and religious context of Usini. The dating of the building, placed by scholars between the late 13th and 14th centuries, coincides with a period of significant urban expansion of Usini towards the area of Piazza Castello. This chronological detail not only provides valuable information on the development of the settlement, but also places the church in the broader context of the evolution of Gothic architecture in Sardinia, a period of great artistic and cultural ferment for the island. The original structure of the church, built in local limestone, testifies to the skilful mastery of medieval builders in the use of local materials.