The church of San Michele di Plaiano, locally known as Santu Miali de Li Piani, is one of the first examples of Romanesque architecture in Sardinia. It stands a few kilometers from Sassari, along the Buddi Buddi provincial road, in a small valley between hills. The ancient village of Plaiano once stood in this area.
Historical events
The first evidence of the church dates back to the year 1082 and is related to the donation, by the judge of Torres Mariano I, of the lands of Plaiano to the Opera di Santa Maria di Pisa.
The complex was acquired by the monastery of San Zeno di Pisa and, a few decades later, became the property of the Vallombrosan order.
From the 15th century, the church and the monastery that flanked it began a progressive decline due to wars and famines. Subsequently, after various changes of ownership, it ended up in private hands.
Today, following restoration work in the modern era, the church is intact, while only a few remains of the surrounding monastery remain.
A Romanesque treasure
The church has a Romanesque-Pisan style, with a single nave and wooden roof. The façade, in limestone blocks, has undergone numerous restorations; the apse, however, is no longer present.
The square in front was part of the monastery complex.
Countryside of Sassari
All around the rolling hills, partially covered with vegetation, create a splendid green setting. The valley in which the church stands alternates fields and meadows.
