Semestene
The Common of Semestene: Introduction
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk about the common of Semestene, a beautiful town in Sardinia that is part of the province of Sassari. Semestene has a population of only 139 inhabitants and is located in the Logudoro region and the Meilogu subregion. Additionally, it is part of the diocese of Alghero-Bosa.
The History of Semestene
Semestene has an ancient and fascinating history. During the Nuragic era, the area was inhabited and there are still some Nuraghi that testify to this. During the Late Middle Ages, Semestene was one of the Sardinian possessions of the Malaspina della Lunigiana and was later ceded to the Judicate of Arborea, which became the Marquisate of Oristano in 1410.
From 1480 to 1839, the town was part of the feudo of Costa de Valles or "Costa de Addes," which was later elevated to the rank of County of Bonorva through a diploma in 1632. Also in the territory of Semestene, near the town center, stands the Romanesque church of San Nicola di Trullas, built at the end of the 11th century or the beginning of the 12th century. This church is decorated internally with frescoes contemporary to its construction and probably dates back to the donation of the temple to the Camaldolese hermitage by the Athen of Pozzomaggiore, through an act of 1113.
The jurisdiction of the "maiore de scolca" or "maiore d'iscolca" of Semestene was composed of small settlements between the 12th and 13th centuries. The settlement network included Cunzadu (Santa Maria, now in the territory of Bonorva), Fraigas (Santa Giusta), Semestene Etzu [or Nurapassar?] (San Michele), Donnigaza together with Semestene Nou (San Giorgio), Codes, Truddas (monastery with the "court" of San Nicola), and Sansa (Santa Maria). The nuraghe de Iscolca was the main reference point for the sworn guards who were responsible for monitoring and protecting the people and property belonging to the scolca of Semestene.
The Church of San Nicola di Trullas
The church of San Nicola di Trullas was built at the end of the 11th century or the beginning of the 12th century and has precious frescoes inside and an important attached Camaldolese monastery, in which the famous condaghe was compiled. The church is close to the town center and was donated to the Camaldolese hermitage by the Athen of Pozzomaggiore in 1113. The Camaldolese monastery was abandoned during the second half of the 14th century. Recently, the ruins of the monastery and the related "court" have been partially brought to light thanks to excavation campaigns led by archaeologists Luca Sanna and Giuseppe Padua.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Semestene is a fascinating town that represents the past and history of Nuragic and medieval Sardinia. The church of San Nicola di Trullas and its Camaldolese monastery are witnesses of the millennia-old presence of religiosity in Sardinia. It is worth visiting this beautiful town and discovering its ancient and fascinating history. Thank you for reading my summary!
