The new slaughterhouse replaced the old one, located at the historic area of Porta Rosello and The Civic Market. It was Cavalier Maurizio Pintus, a wealthy Sassarese, who financed the construction, advancing the sum and charging an 8 percent interest to the Municipality. The agreement was signed by the parties on May 18, 1895. The project was conceived by the Municipality’s technical office, headed by engineer Gavino Canalis. The area was chosen south of the city, in the area known as “La Cruzitta” or “La Crocetta.” The project was approved by the City Council on March 4, 1895. The plan is organized around pavilions neatly arranged according to the stages of processing and types of livestock. The main facade has at its center a ribbed portal, closed by an iron gate, with jambs carved with rams’ heads in the center, all crowned by the “pio bove” of Carduccian memory carved by sculptor Zichina (his signature is in the plinth, right). The façade continues symmetrically on either side of the portal with the lodgings of the janitor, veterinarian and director: the large and small perimeter pavilions have lunette openings and ribbed windows, molded wooden cornices embellish the eave lines. The 20th century saw the addition of a large flatbed scale in 1937 and a garage on Catalocchino Street corner of Diaz Street in 1949. Last note: Following the Messina Earthquake (December 26, 1908), Cavalier Pintus, on January 12, 1909, directed the municipality to donate what was left of his credit to the earthquake victims.
