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Sardinia Region
The typical image of this region is that of
a pastoral civilisation locked in an untamed, inaccessible
environment: an image reinforced by the novellas of Grazia
Deledda, Nobel laureate in 1926, as well as by the poetry
of Sebastiano Satta. In realty, the region has any number
of intriguing characteristics that exert an undeniable attraction:
not only the unspoiled beaches, the emerald coloured sea
and the green of the mountains, but the reserved nature of
the local population as well, together with the steady, discrete
lifestyle of the small towns high up in the hills and ridges,
the massive construction from centuries past, the countless
signs of bygone traditions that survive in feasts, folk clothing,
even the language, as well as a certain way of living and
working, that are still typical of much of Sardinia, making
it a truly “autonomous” region.
The most evident expression of this diversity are the Nuraghi,
towers dating back more than a thousand years, built with
massive boulders piled atop each other, but with no mortar
to bond them. Sardinia offers a wealth of such constructions,
approximately 7000: perched atop hills, their threatening
forms still rise skyward, evidence of a truly unique civilisation.
Another sign of the region’s distinctive tradition
is the continued use of horses in religious feasts, in processions
honouring illustrious figures and during palio competitions:
the most interesting tests of equestrian skill are the pariglie
of Santu Lussurgiu and the Sartiglia of Oristano; the latter
is a horserace held at Carnival time, during a complex celebration
that includes a number of different ritual moments. Other
renowned riding events are the Sardinian Cavalcade in Sassari
and the ritual Ardia race in Sedilo and Pozzomaggiore during
the Feast of San Costantino.
Traditional dress also continues to be used on the occasion
of culinary feasts, the celebration of saints’ days
or weddings: all the various features of the garb can be
observed during a visit to the Museum of Folk Customs
in Nuoro.
The Campidano Region, on the other hand, is famous for its
venerable tradition of metal craftsmanship, and especially
the art of creating knifes, whose abundant history is celebrated
at the Museum of the Sardinian Knife in Arbus, where magnificent
specimens can be admired.
The impressive cities of Sardinia include Cagliari, inextricable
tied to its Castle, meaning the historic quarter surrounded
by the fortified wall placed at the top of a limestone mass;
the resulting view is not to be ignored: the sea, the port,
the lake and the historic salt works, no longer active but
one of the influential factors in the history of this city.
Another renowned site is the fish market of San Benedetto,
where the odours, colours, people and spoken language of
the city demonstrate its true, day-to-day nature.
The southwest coast of the island is one of the areas with
the widest variety of features: a rich store of bluffs, grottos,
superb promontories, sandy inlets and splendid beaches, such
as that of Chia. This natural allure proves even more intense
on the islands of San Antioco and San
Pietro, while columns
and floor mosaics are the main points of attraction in the
historic city of Nora.
The Gulf of Oristano also offers glorious beaches and crystal-clear
waters. Further inland, amidst enchanting woodlands and plateaus,
it is not rare to come across the area’s native, almond-eyed
horses, who have lived in wild state for centuries. History
has left an indelible mark on this portion of the island,
as shown by the archaeological area of Tharros.
Sardinia also holds another type of green, one not so different
from hue of its sea: the green of the mountains and plateaus,
where a pastoral economy reigns supreme, as anyone who has
read the novel Padre padrone knows. It is hard to remain
indifferent to the aura of a wild, largely uncontaminated
territory, as in the case of the majestic Gennargentu, whose
rugged, wind-carved landscapes underline the ancient spirit
of this area, the home of Cannonau, a renowned Sardinian
wine, as well as Casizolu, a cheese noted for its intense
flavour. Another highly authentic site is Orgosolo, whose
historic core features the famous “murales”.
To conclude, the Gallura district, one of Sardinia’s
best known areas, offers a variety of different settings:
the sandy coasts of Santa Teresa di Gallura, the unspoiled
natural setting of the Archipelago of the Maddalena and the
high-society atmosphere of the Emerald Coast. Here, the chic
resort life of Porto Cervo revolves around the town’s
famous “piazzetta”, branching out to the Porto
Vecchio as well, while the world’s most impressive
pleasure boats gather at the Marina. But even those without
a yacht can enjoy the views offered by the surrounding coast.
For further information, click on:
Sardinian Region  ENTER
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