Capoterra and the Southern Campidano
Overview of Capoterra
Capoterra (Cabuderra in Sardinian, from the Latin Caput Terrae) is a suburban municipality located
along the edge of the Santa Gilla salt pans on the Gulf of Angels.
Origins & History: Settled since Punic and Roman times (formerly the Roman oppidum near
Tanca Sa Canna), the medieval village was destroyed in 1353 by Aragonese forces under
Berengario Carroz and remained abandoned for three centuries. In 1655, Baron Girolamo Torrellas
repopulated the area as Villa Sant’Efisio, attracting refugees and settlers from Gallura and
Logudoro.
Literary Legacy: Capoterra is the birthplace of author Sergio Atzeni (1952–1995). Known for
combining Sardinian language structures with Italian narrative prose, his prominent works include Il
figlio di Bakunìn, Il quinto passo è l’addio, and the posthumous epic Passavamo sulla terra leggeri.
Key Sites & Landmarks
• Casa Melis: An early 20th-century restored Campidanese estate built in 1920 by Giuseppe
Melis, featuring a residential wing, inner courtyard, and agricultural storerooms used for civic
cultural events.
• Parish Church of Sant’Efisio: Constructed between 1855 and 1858 in Neoclassical design
with a cross-vaulted dome and late-Gothic bell tower spire, replacing the original 17th-century
private chapel of the barons.
• Sanctuary of Santa Barbara de Montes: A late-Romanesque rural church built in 1281 by
Archbishop Gallo. Situated near the Sa Scabizzada natural spring, it features 16th-century
brick arcades added by Franciscan Friars.
• Church of San Girolamo de la Murta: A 17th-century rural chapel built over Byzantine
remains, containing a 17th-century holy water stoup and an altarpiece attributed to Late
Mannerist painter Francesco Pinna.