Tancas Abertas

The church of Santa Maria de S’Ispidale is located on a hill in the southwest part of the municipal territory of Romana.

Mentioned in 17th century sources among the assets of the Hospitaller preceptory of San Leonardo di Sette Fontane near Santu Lussurgiu, its dating is uncertain and is based on a formal analysis of the structure.

The building has a longitudinal, single-nave layout of 7x4 meters, with perfect orientation. The masonry alternates large squared stones with smaller and less worked stones. Recent restoration work has modified the facade and sides. The front, essential and sober, has a linteled portal surmounted by a cruciform light, aligned with the bell tower placed above the slopes. A similar cross is visible in the rear part, where the apse is no longer preserved. The interior is covered by a barrel vault.

The architectural analysis suggests a 12th century dating, placing it among the Romanesque churches widespread in Sardinia, such as San Pietro di Onanì, San Lorenzo di Rebeccu and San Nicola di Trullas. Local tradition hypothesizes a link with an ancient monastery or hospital, a hypothesis also suggested by the place name.