Chiesa di Stella Maris

The Church of Stella Maris rises above the marina at Porto Cervo. Designed by Michele Busiri Vici in the 1960s, the white church is known for its curving forms and artworks that include bronze doors by Luciano Minguzzi, sculptures by Pinuccio Sciola and a painting attributed to El Greco.

Why it matters

Stella Maris was established as the parish church of Porto Cervo during the development of the Costa Smeralda. Its modern design is associated with architect Michele Busiri Vici, one of the architects who shaped the new settlement. The church combines contemporary sacred architecture with works from different periods and artistic traditions.

What to notice

The church’s curving white forms include a conical bell tower, a portico supported by six stone pillars and a granite floor. The bronze entrance doors by Luciano Minguzzi depict the Annunciation and Christian symbols. Sculptures by Pinuccio Sciola stand on the façade. Inside is a Mater Dolorosa attributed to El Greco, as well as a Neapolitan organ from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and two German-school crucifixes.

Context and history

The parish was canonically erected on 1 September 1965 by Bishop Giovanni Melis, and the first stone was laid that month. The land was donated to the parish in 1966. The church was solemnly dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary Stella Maris on 28 August 1968. The parish’s feast day is held on that date, and the Consorzio Costa Smeralda records a procession in which boats escort the Marian image across the water.