The construction of the building is due to Cav. Salvatore Dau, owner of the eponymous tanneries. The building dates from the early 1900s and in the area represents the most architecturally valuable building. Its main feature is its trapezoidal plan: on the short side one notices a façade bounded laterally by pilasters, i.e., pillar-shaped decorative elements carved into the wall surface; on the two long sides, on the other hand, one observes a series of symmetrically arranged windows, a clear reference to the neo-classical motifs of the late 19th century. Originally, the entire second floor was intended for the manor house. At the entrance, a grand staircase overlooking a trapezoidal-shaped atrium can be seen. The different rooms bear extremely interesting floral or geometric decorations and fascinating wall paintings bearing elements of Art Nouveau. The second floor still has its overlooking and entrance from Sant’Anna Street and was intended for uses other than family residency. Over the years, ownership of the building passed from the Dau family to the Ente Morale named after Giuseppe Tomè and finally to the Municipal Administration of Sassari. Since 2004 it has been the institutional headquarters of the ” Luigi Canepa” Choral Association, the oldest choral ensemble in Sardinia. The Chorale has brought prestige to the city of Sassari since its beginnings, participating in the city’s opera seasons, and in several national and international music competitions. The building has been declared of “particularly important interest” by the Minister of Culture and subject to historical and artistic constraints.
