Santa Maria di Cea

The church of Santa Maria di Cea stands majestically about 6 km from Banari, nestled in the heart of a fertile valley crossed by the Badu de Corte stream. This geographical position not only gives the site a special charm, but also testifies to the historical importance of the area, rich in natural resources that favoured human settlement and the development of religious centres.

The building, originally known as 'di Seve' after the name of the ancient centre where it stood, represents a valuable example of Sardinian Romanesque architecture. Its foundation, dating back to the second half of the 12th century, is set in a period of great cultural and religious ferment for the island, characterised by the spread of monastic orders and the construction of numerous sacred buildings.

The initial connection of the church with the Benedictine order of Vallombrosians, and the subsequent reconfirmation of this affiliation in the early 15th century, offer an interesting insight into the religious and cultural dynamics of medieval Sardinia. This affiliation probably not only influenced the architecture and decoration of the building, but also inserted it into a wider network of monasteries and churches, facilitating the exchange of religious ideas and practices.

Architecturally, Santa Maria di Cea is distinguished by its elegant simplicity.