The Church of Byzantium ‘evangelised’ Sardinia for six centuries, leaving a profound mark. Today, the veneration of saints typical of Greek Orthodox tradition still remains. In Orani, in the Nuoro area, you will find significant traces of it: Santu Nicolau, name of a place in the countryside, the rural sanctuary of Sant’Elias, where the people of OranI flock to today, like in Antiquity, with processions of horsemen in festive dress and the banner of the saint and, above all, there is the church of the Madonna d'Itria.

Built in the 17th century, it gives its name to one of the town’s districts and was part of a system of places of worship positioned as a border between the town and the countryside. The architecture is inspired by Gothic-Catalan motifs: the single nave has pointed arches made of trachyte. You will be captivated by the cross vault, which is frescoed with scenes of angel musicians. Also remarkable is the central niche of the altar, where you can see the wooden statue of the Virgin of Itria with the Child in her arms and wearing damask robes.

However, the element that makes Sa Itria truly original is the façade: you can admire an engraving by Costantino Nivola (1958), depicting the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, in which Catholics and Muslims fought against each other. It is commemorated as the victory of Christianity over the infidels. The great Sardinian artist portrayed two human figures that, based on the symbols engraved, symbolise religious belonging. Nivola’s work is complemented by the colour blue: a stripe at the bottom that brings to mind the sea during the naval battle and one at the top, virtually uniting it with the sky that protected the Christian fleet. The work is so well-integrated with the architecture that it is difficult to think of the façade without the engraving.

The veneration of the Madonna of Sa Itria is widespread throughout Sardinia and culminates in Orani on the last Sunday of August with religious functions and a pagan festival. The same devotion is also felt in Gavoi (at the end of July): novenas with the worshippers staying in the sanctuary’s cumbessias, lunches based on roasts, libations, chants and equestrian jousts. The palio de Sa Itria is one of the most exciting and famous on the Island.