Church of San Lucifero

The parish church of Vallermosa, dedicated to the combative bishop of Cagliari who defended the Christian faith

In the heart of Vallermosa stands the Church of San Lucifero (Saint Lucifer), the spiritual centre of the community and a testimony to a devotion that links the village to one of the most determined figures in Sardinian ecclesiastical history.

San Lucifero, arcivescovo di Cagliari nel IV secolo, fu un intransigente difensore della fede cristiana come espressa dal Concilio di Nicea. La sua opposizione all’arianesimo raggiunse il culmine nel Concilio di Milano del 355, quando, insieme a Sant’Eusebio di Vercelli, difese strenuamente il vescovo Atanasio di Alessandria, pagando con l’esilio la propria fermezza.

La storia dell’edificio

The church was built in Neoclassical style around the mid-17th century. Over the centuries, it underwent several works of expansion and embellishment, especially between 1863 and 1955, involving the side chapels, the bell tower, and the high altar.

Ogni trasformazione racconta l’impegno della comunità vallermosese nel curare e arricchire il proprio luogo di culto, generazione dopo generazione.

L’architettura

The façade is simple and elegant, with a flat top surmounted by a cross. The rectangular portal is topped by a lunette and an oculus with polychrome glass, which brings light into the interior. To the right of the façade rises the domed bell tower, partly incorporated into the masonry. The corner joints are embellished with stone decorations.

L’interno, a navata unica voltata a botte, si apre lateralmente in cappelle separate dall’aula attraverso archi a tutto sesto, creando un ambiente raccolto e solenne.

I tesori d’arte sacra

The church preserves works of considerable value. The high altar in polychrome marble, dated 1740, dominates the presbytery with its rich colour. Of particular interest is the 1751 painting by the Cagliari artist Sebastiano Scaleta, depicting the Virgin with the Child Jesus and Saint Cecilia as they turn their gaze toward San Lucifero.

Particolarmente venerata è la statua lignea seicentesca del santo, custodita in una cappella accanto alla sacrestia.

The Feast of San Lucifero

Every year, on 20 May, Vallermosa celebrates its patron saint with a feast lasting several days. Solemn processions, religious ceremonies, and civic events bring the village to life, renewing the ancient bond between the community and its patron saint.

Visitor information

Opening hours: To arrange a visit, please contact the Municipality of Vallermosa.

Recommended period: 20 May, during the patron saint’s feast.