HISTORY AND CULTURE

Church of Sant’Elena Imperatrice

IN THE TOWN CENTER IS THE PARISH CHURCH OF LOTZORAI, DEDICATED TO SAINT HELENA THE EMPRESS.

The building is in classical style, with a single nave, flanked by two side chapels near the presbytery that hint at a transept, giving the impression of a Latin cross plan. The characteristic bell tower rises on the right side of the façade. The decision to build the new church was made in the late 18th century, as the old one was too small for the growing needs of the population. Construction began in the first half of the 19th century and was completed in 1843. It stands on the site of an older church dedicated to San Quirico.

Paintings and works of art.

Of particular interest was the pictorial cycle consisting of four large panels, commissioned from the painter Sitzia in 1846 by order of the then parish priest, Don Stefano Asuni. Today, only the panel depicting the “Souls in Purgatory” remains, an excellent example of folk painting. The work depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary on clouds with the Baby Jesus in her arms, distributing scapulars to nine souls licking the flames of purgatory. Two angels flank the Madonna and Child, intent on lifting two souls from the fire.

Silverware and Sacred Vessels.

The treasury of the parish church of Sant’Elena boasts several noteworthy sacred vessels. Of notable artistic value is a silver chalice dating to the second half of the 16th century. Also noteworthy are a 17th-century embossed and chased silver monstrance and the large processional cross made by Genoese silversmiths around 1788.

The Simulacra

The parish church of Lotzorai possesses several finely crafted wooden simulacra. One of the most significant is the statue of San Quirico, displayed in a small niche in the right side chapel. It is the work of an unknown Sardinian sculptor, dating back to the 17th century. The modestly sized simulacrum depicts the Saint as a child dressed in a blue tunic, his face turned upward and his forehead marked by a deep wound from which blood flows, a distinctive sign of his torture. In his left hand, he holds a book, while in his right hand he holds the palm of martyrdom.

In the left chapel, dedicated to the Most Holy Virgin of the Rosary, is displayed a statue of the same name, dating back to the second half of the 18th century.

The statue of Saint Helena, displayed in the niche of the main altar, dates back to the 17th-18th century. Stylistically in keeping with the late Mannerist canons of the 17th century, the Saint is depicted as a beautiful mature woman, dressed in a long cerulean blue cloak and a purple tunic tied at the hips with a green belt edged with gold. She wears a yellow cape over her shoulders and holds a scepter in her right hand, while in her left hand she holds aloft the cross, which she contemplates in ecstasy. The statue is comparable to other works on the island from the same period, characterized by vibrant colors and elaborate decorations. It appears to be the work of the Neapolitan sculptor Francesco Masiello.

VISIT LOTZORAI Chiesa di sant'elena imperatrice Ogliastra Sardegna

The Simulacra

The parish church of Lotzorai possesses several finely crafted wooden simulacra. One of the most significant is the statue of San Quirico, displayed in a small niche in the right side chapel. It is the work of an unknown Sardinian sculptor, dating back to the 17th century. The modestly sized simulacrum depicts the Saint as a child dressed in a blue tunic, his face turned upward and his forehead marked by a deep wound from which blood flows, a distinctive sign of his torture. In his left hand, he holds a book, while in his right hand he holds the palm of martyrdom.

In the left chapel, dedicated to the Most Holy Virgin of the Rosary, is displayed a statue of the same name, dating back to the second half of the 18th century.

The statue of Saint Helena, displayed in the niche of the main altar, dates back to the 17th-18th century. Stylistically in keeping with the late Mannerist canons of the 17th century, the Saint is depicted as a beautiful mature woman, dressed in a long cerulean blue cloak and a purple tunic tied at the hips with a green belt edged with gold. She wears a yellow cape over her shoulders and holds a scepter in her right hand, while in her left hand she holds aloft the cross, which she contemplates in ecstasy. The statue is comparable to other works on the island from the same period, characterized by vibrant colors and elaborate decorations. It appears to be the work of the Neapolitan sculptor Francesco Masiello.

IMAGE GALLERY

Church of Sant’Elena Imperatrice