The old cumbessias are reborn

From lodgings for pilgrims to shelters for the families of the patients of Santa Maria Bambini. The “cumbessias” that overlook the sanctuary of the Madonna del Rimedio in Donigala, just outside Oristano, is a real rebirth. Small jewels of architecture, history and tradition, the ancient novenaries have for some years been the protagonists of a renovation project wanted by the members of the Soroptimist Club of Oristano in collaboration with the Curia, owner of the "muristenes". Five apartments were inaugurated three years ago, now two more will be added to the complex to give a broader scope to an initiative with great social as well as cultural value.

The novenary

The cumbessias or muristenes are small adobe houses, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Together they form the so-called novenaries that rose near the churches and rural sanctuaries of Sardinia; according to some scholars in ancient times they were the lodgings for the monks. The cumbessias that rise close to the sanctuary of the Madonna del Rimedio fit into this setting: for years they have hosted faithful and devotees who came from all over the island to dissolve a vow or for a simple prayer. Cataloged by the Region as an identity asset, the cumbessias represent the basic cell of the traditional house of Campidano di Oristano. “The houses extend mainly in length and at the back they open into a garden . They are typical examples of the Campidanese building, made of unfired bricks, reeds and wood ”, explained the architect Roberta Sanna. An architectural richness that however ran the risk of being lost: for years now the clay dwellings were closed and unused, without maintenance they risked crumbling under the action of rain and wind.

And here is the bet of the Soroptimist who decided to renovate the muristenes about six years ago. The idea was from one of the members, resident in Donigala, who knew both the great wealth of the novenary and the difficulties of the patients' families in finding accommodation in the area. So with this project, immediately married by the Church (which with a public and formal act gave the complex in concession for 25 years to the Club), on the one hand we intend to redevelop the entire area of the Sanctuary, where one of the festivals has always been held most deeply felt religious in the whole island. On the other hand, a fundamental service is offered to the families of those who suffer in a bed of the Santa Maria Bambini institute: relatives have a welcoming place during the period of hospitalization of their loved ones.

The project

The first five refurbished accommodations were delivered three years ago, after a long work and a campaign of solidarity and charity which, with various initiatives, managed to put together the necessary resources for the restoration interventions. “It was a conservative restoration, which has kept the original structure unaltered: the house has been adapted to the characteristic settings of the muristene. Cells were and have remained even if now there are various comforts ". The house consists of three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, a dining room and a shared kitchen and can count on 5 beds.

But the Soroptimist's activity continued with work to secure the remaining part of the entire complex. And two more new accommodations will open their doors this fall. Also in this case the intervention strategy is characterized by the most absolute respect for both the materials and the construction techniques used. "The works are continuing in the garden of the structure - explains the president of the Club Caterina Murru - A large covered passage has also been created". And in the end, another six beds will be added with common areas for the kitchen and services, the complex can accommodate up to eleven 11 family members overall.