Church of San Giacomo

Un’antica chiesa rurale immersa nella campagna, testimone di fede popolare e tradizioni millenarie

In the countryside of Siliqua, in the area of Zinnigas, stands the Church of San Giacomo: a small building that preserves the charm of Sardinian rural architecture, built to serve communities scattered among fields and pastures, far from the main settlements.

Here, time seems to have stood still. Around the church, the silence of the countryside is broken only by the wind and birdsong. Two ancient springs, sa mitza de santu Iaccu and sa mitza de Danielli, still flow nearby, just as they did centuries ago.

The medieval origins

The church belonged to an ancient medieval settlement. Nearby, the ruins of a convent are still visible, probably built around the 11th century by the Victorine monks of Marseille, the same order that left a deep mark on Sardinia’s religious heritage. The original core of the building, rectangular in shape with the altar facing east, dates back to that period. The stone masonry, where well-worked blocks can still be seen, reflects a simple yet solid architecture, designed to endure over time.

L’architettura rurale

The current façade, with its arched portal topped by a small octagonal window and a bell gable, dates back to the first half of the 17th century. In front of the entrance once stood a loggia with square pillars, typical of Sardinian rural churches: a place of rest and shelter for worshippers arriving from afar. The interior, with a single nave, preserves the simplicity of its origins. As in many rural churches, there are no pews, but masonry benches along the walls. An ancient holy water stoup bears an inscription that is now only partly legible.

The prayer against storms

Until the 1930s, San Giacomo was carried in procession together with Santa Barbara. Both saints were invoked to protect crops and livestock from storms, through an ancient prayer in Sardinian: “Santa Brabara e Santu Iaccu, bosu portais is crais de lampu…” Even today, in May, the church comes back to life during the traditional celebrations.

Visitor information

Come raggiungerla: Lungo la SP 2 in direzione Villamassargia, dopo circa 5 km dalla rotonda per il Castello di Acquafredda, svoltare a sinistra su strada sterrata e proseguire per 600 m

Opening hours: The church is generally closed. To arrange a visit, please contact the Municipality of Siliqua.

Recommended period: May, during the celebrations.