Roofing Systems in Medieval Sardinia. Types, Materials, and Craft Traditions

Usai, Nicoletta

First

2026-01-01

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Abstract

This study investigates the roofing systems of Sardinian medieval architecture from the sixth to the fourteenth century, focusing on typological developments, construction materials, and the involvement of local and foreign building workshops. While domed structures, rooted in Byzantine models, are typical of the earlier phase (sixth-tenth centuries), the Romanesque period (eleventh-fourteenth centuries) saw the adoption of longitudinal church plans featuring a diverse array of roofing techniques, including barrel and groin vaults, wooden trusses, and hybrid solutions. The distribution of these systems reflects a complex interplay of regional material availability, socio-political dynamics, and patronage networks. Special attention is given to the lithological diversity of the island, ranging from volcanic stone to granite, without neglecting the rare use of alternative materials, such as brick; and to the contributions of Provençal, Pisan, and other mainland Italian craftsmen, whose interventions shaped the architectural landscape.