Stella Maris - Church in Porto Cervo

The Stella Maris Church in the harbour of Porto Cervo is perhaps the most beautiful landmark on the Costa Smeralda. Curiously, the Catholic church was built in 1963 at the behest of a Muslim: Karim Aga Khan IV, head of the Ismailis, founded the village of Porto Cervo as a destination for the international jet set.

Sardinian, historic, diverse – the Stella Maris Church is a real gem.

When designing Stella Maris, architect Enzo Satta took inspiration from the historic Sardinian architectural style, but varied and enriched it in many ways. The forgotten organ of a 17th-century Neapolitan master was given a new lease of life in the nave, while the crucifix dates from the 16th century and was made in Germany. The ‘Madonna Dolorosa’, on the other hand, is the work of the Spanish Mannerist El Greco. A giant Polynesian shell was anchored in the wall to serve as a holy water font.

The Aga Khan had a particularly fortunate hand when he commissioned Michele Busiri Vici's architectural committee, together with Luigi Vietti and Jacques Couëlle, to develop the Costa Smeralda according to his ideas: although the world's richest and most powerful gather here year after year, the coastal strip never appears ostentatious. It is a prime example of how nature and architecture can be reconciled in a way that preserves the landscape.

The colours of the timeless Costa Smeralda style reflect the landscape, with white and azure blue dominating the picture. Granite and ancient broom beams, as found in the surrounding area, dominate as building elements. The roofs are almost without exception covered with ancient tiles because of their inimitable antique patina. (For many Sardinians at the time, it was worthwhile re-roofing their houses in order to sell the old tiles at a high profit on the Costa Smeralda.) The buildings appear asymmetrical, as if no architect had been involved. Arcades connect and surround squares and houses. Finally, stained glass provides the visual icing on the cake.

Stella Maris – a prime example of aesthetic architectural standards

Everything, including roads and squares, conforms to these stylistic guidelines, so it is no wonder that the highest aesthetic standards are met throughout, without the result appearing monotonous or sterile.

Prime examples of this architectural style are the church of Stella Maris, the world-famous hotels of Porto Cervo (Romazzino, Liscia di Vacca, Cala di Volpe) and the private villas of the rich and beautiful between Cala di Volpe and Liscia di Vacca.

All this is not ‘my’ Sardinia of the Sardinians – but it is definitely worth seeing.

With a Sardinian ‘Adiosu’, I bid you farewell for today.

Joachim Waßmann