In the heart of Gallura’s hinterland, the centre of Luogosanto is situated in an elevated position: like the other old towns of this region, it is characterised by two- or three-storey residential buildings made of granite, featuring protruding balconies often decorated with flowers.
In the central square, you can find the cathedral of Nostra Signora di Luogosanto, a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary and founded by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem coming from the Holy Land in 1218, when St. Francis of Assisi was still alive. In the 13th century, Pope Honorius III promoted it to ‘minor basilica’ as the first church in Gallura to receive this honour; in the 18th century, instead, it was awarded the privilege of the Holy Door, which is opened to pilgrims every seven years for twelve months. Since 1970, the cathedral also features a bronze door by Luca Luchetti.
Nowadays, the building features a granite façade, while the interior is entirely decorated with mural paintings made immediately after World War II.