Right in front of you, you’ll spot a statue of a stately figure standing high on a stone pedestal, with the name Domenico Alberto Azuni carved into it-set against pastel buildings and framed by windows and balconies, it’s hard to miss!
Now, imagine yourself stepping back in time: centuries ago, this spot was nothing like the bright, open square you see today. Instead, it was a cramped wedge of street, hemmed in by the old Santa Caterina church with its grand stairway and the imposing entrance gate of the Governor's Palace-so big, locals even held carnival balls in its carriage house! Built before 1278, the church was later expanded with chapels and a polygonal bell tower, much like Santa Maria di Betlem. But all grand things come to an end-in 1853, both the church and the palace were knocked down, after falling into ruin, making room for fresh air and new beginnings. Only old drawings and a few faint memories remain. This tiny piazza, once called Piazzetta Santa Caterina, was transformed into a proud triangle dedicated to Sassari’s own legal star, Domenico Alberto Azuni, thanks to university students in 1862. Since then, his statue has watched over the flow of daily life and laughter, standing as a friendly reminder: here, even the smallest spaces can hold centuries of stories!
