Codrongianos
Codrongianos: the history of a Sardinian commune
Codrongianos is an Italian commune located in the province of Sassari, in the region of Sardinia, with a population of approximately 1279 inhabitants. The history of this town dates back to the 2nd millennium BC when it was inhabited during the Bronze Age. The name of the commune derives from the "Castrum Gordianus", a Roman garrison built in the 3rd century to watch over the road from Karalis to Porto Torres.
During the Middle Ages, there were two villages with the same name, Cotroianu and Cotroiano Jossu, both belonging to the jurisdiction of Torres. In the 14th century, Cotroianu Jossu disappeared, and from Cotroianu was born Codrongianos, which in 1420 was united with the barony of Ploaghe and given as a fief to the Aymerich family.
One of the most important buildings in Codrongianos is the basilica of Saccargia, built in 1116 by Judge Constantine III of Torres together with his wife Marcusa. The monks were expelled by the Aragonese in the 15th century, and the assets of the abbey were divided and given to the clergy, while the title of prior was assumed by the bishop of Sassari.
The town was redeemed from the Aymerich family in 1839, with the abolition of the feudal system. One of the symbols of Codrongianos' history is found in the communal coat of arms, which represents the Camaldolese congregation painted in the church of the Holy Trinity of Saccargia and the Roman Castrum. The municipal standard is a yellow and red flag.
Monuments and places of interest
Codrongianos boasts numerous churches and important archaeological sites. The basilica of Saccargia, one of the most important churches in Sardinia, is a Romanesque work with Pisan Romanesque influences.
In addition to the basilica of Saccargia, there is the ancient Church of Sant'Antonio di Salvenero, the Church of San Paolo with the old cemetery of the town in front of it, the Church of Santa Croce, and the Oratory of the Rosary. There are also the ruins of the 14th-century Church of Sant'Antimu di Salvenero.
Among the civil buildings, the House of the Blessed Elisabetta Sanna, Funtana de Codronzanu e josso or Fontana di Codrongianos basso, and Funtana ezzu, better known as the old fountain, stand out.
The Codrongianos area also offers several archaeological sites, including about 60 nuraghi, which testify to human presence already in the Bronze Age. Among these, the Nuraghe Nieddu stands out, a single tower 11 meters high, with a thòlos cover, a type of tomb. In addition, traces of the Roman road Karalis-Turris Libisonis are still visible.
Society
The commune of Codrongianos had a demographic variation of -6.7% compared to 2011, with a population of 1279 inhabitants in 2021. The official language spoken in this commune is Italian, but the variant of the Sardinian language spoken is northern Logudorese Sardinian.
In general, the citizens of Codrongianos maintain a strong bond with their history and cultural heritage, which is reflected in the care and respect for historical monuments and ancient buildings.
Codrongianos is a small commune but offers many opportunities for visitors to discover the history, art, and culture of Sardinia through the discovery of its architectural and archaeological treasures.
