The Basilica of St Nicholas of Bari, a cathedral since 1441, is located in the old town centre of Sassari. its roots are ancient and humble, linked to the origins of the city. The first mention of the church is in the Condaghe of San Pietro di Silki dating back to 1135. It was built over an early Christian building, the remains of which can be seen beneath the apse. Gothic vaults, a baroque façade and classical décor are the result of reconstruction work.
The first reconstruction took place in the 13th century in Romanesque style: still remaining is the bell tower, standing to the left of the temple, to which a turret with a small dome was added five centuries later. In the second half of the 15th century, now upgraded to the rank of cathedral, San Nicola took on a Gothic-Catalan style. After more than two centuries, other works gave it its current appearance.
The splendid baroque façade has three orders: a portico with three rounded arches with an entrance portal, three niches decorated with the statues of Sassari's martyrs Gavino, Proto and Gianuario, and a large pediment with a single niche, where there is the simulacrum of St Nicholas. At the top, there is a sculpture of God Almighty.
After crossing through the portico, which has a starred cross-vault, you will enter the single large nave, divided into two spans with eight chapels. The dome is Renaissance-inspired while the underlying greater altar is made of marble, in classical style (dated 1690), with Corinthian capitals.
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