in-depth guide to cultural resources

IN-DEPTH GUIDE TO
CULTURAL RESOURCES
BY BIC SARDEGNA SPA
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 3
THE PROVINCE OF CAGLIARI ..................................................................................................... 3
THE PROVINCE OF CARBONIA-IGLESIAS ................................................................................. 4
THE PROVINCE OF MEDIO CAMPIDANO .................................................................................... 6
THE PROVINCE OF NUORO ......................................................................................................... 8
THE PROVINCE OF OGLIASTRA ................................................................................................. 9
THE PROVINCE OF OLBIA-TEMPIO .......................................................................................... 10
THE PROVINCE OF ORISTANO ................................................................................................. 12
THE PROVINCE OF SASSARI .................................................................................................... 14
2
CULTURAL RESOURCES
INTRODUCTION
Doing business in the field of culture is an increasingly popular approach and choice. On
the one hand, the management of the cultural heritage and events is generally based on a
business model (management, marketing, customer satisfaction); on the other hand, the
cultural sector is perceived by the world of business as an opportunity to do business with
an important added value, for instance, by creating partnerships with associations and
public institutions for the implementation of cultural projects in a specific area.
This guide analyses in depth the topic of cultural resources located on the island’s territory.
Herein you will find detailed information on the provincial level that will help you seize
opportunities to create new businesses in the field of culture in Sardinia.
The guide contains information collected from territorial planning instruments and the
institutional websites of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia 1 and its Provinces. The aim is
to offer not only a summary of the major institutions and cultural sites located in each
province, but also to provide a territorial map of the "cultural heritage" 2 in each local
context, in the awareness that such a heritage is likely to affect directly or indirectly value
generation and economic benefits for the companies set up in these territories.
Therefore, in addition to the presence of cultural sites and institutions, such as libraries,
museums and archaeological sites, it includes the presence of an intangible cultural
heritage made up of knowledge, handicrafts, performances, rituals and festive events
closely related to the specificities of local contexts.
THE PROVINCE OF CAGLIARI
The Province of Cagliari enjoys a diffused range of cultural resources. In the territory of the
main city, museums have the largest number of visitors and are hosted in the most popular
venues. In the southwest, in the town of Pula, the archaeological site of Nora is the main
attraction in the province and is the place where in summer the main cultural events are
hosted, including the popular "Night of the poets" 3 (Notte dei poeti), an event that has
been staged since 1983 in the charming venue of the ancient Roman amphitheatre of
Nora. Important archaeological sites and museums are located in the north of the
province; they are characterized by a great attractiveness that is yet to be fully exploited.
The Province of Cagliari plays a particularly important role in the cultural field of the island,
thanks to major tourist flows and a great local demand.
Within the provincial borders, there are about 190 libraries, 50 museums, 189 monuments
and 8 archaeological sites (source: www.Sardegnacultura.it). The museums are
distributed throughout the province, providing a cultural offer mainly located in the city of
Cagliari. The museums and the architectural heritage of the city are the main attractions in
the province, while the archaeological heritage is mostly located in smaller towns: the
1
http://www.sardegnacultura.it/
The term "cultural heritage" refers to the culture that has been handed down over time: it can be tangible
(e.g., a site, a finding), but also intangible (e.g., a tradition, a dialect).
3
http://www.lanottedeipoeti.it/
2
3
CULTURAL RESOURCES
single-tower nuraghe in the town of Armungia; the Pranu Mutteddu area, one of the most
charming burial sites of Sardinia with its prehistoric burial grounds surrounded by large
groups of menhirs; the necropolis of Genna Accas and the Domus de Janas; the region of
Sarcidano hosts the Arrubiu Nuraghe, one of the most important and impressive nuraghes
of the island; the nuragic sanctuary in the "Giara" of Serri; and the area of the Castle of
Aquafredda in Siliqua, in the valley of Cixerri and the complex of Adoni in Villanovatulo.
Examples of the archaeological heritage located in the city of Cagliari are the Roman
amphitheatre, the "Cave of the Viper" (grotta della vipera), Tigellio’s villa and the hill of
Tuvixeddu.
A network of towers and lighthouses, together with the port settlements founded by the
Phoenicians, wind along the southern coast. In the coastal areas, the rural churches are
a significant element of the cultural heritage, not only for their intrinsic architectural value,
but also for the role they played as Christian and pagan ritual places, serving as hubs for
local communities. As part of the coastal area of the province, the towers of Prezzemolo
and Poetto in Cagliari, along with the Tower of Budello, the Tower of Capo Malfatano and
the Tower of Porto Scudo in Teulada, were acquired by the Coastal Protection Agency
of Sardinia for the development of various activities aimed at improving the accessibility
and safety of the monuments. Such recovery actions aim to make an asset of particular
historical value available to the public, as a significant part of the cultural and landscape
heritage of the island. Significant positive results at the economic level have been
reached as a result of the renewed exploitation of the areas and artefacts4.
The Monti Granatici and the "terra cruda" (adobe-brick) centres are typical of the wide
Campidano plain used for the cultivation of cereals, connecting the Province of Cagliari
with the Medio Campidano region and Oristano. The "terra cruda" centres are the result of
traditional and modern building and housing systems, which include new sustainable
approaches to environmental, energy-saving and cultural issues.
The theatres and performance venues are mainly located in Cagliari and the
surrounding area. The city hosts the most important regional theatre, the Teatro Comunale
of Cagliari, which stages operas, symphonies and ballets.
There are several cultural and entertainment events throughout the province, ranging
from music festivals to traditional religious feasts and celebrations closely related to life in
the countryside. One of the main religious feasts is the "Sagra di Sant'Efisio", one of the
most popular festivals in the Mediterranean tradition that takes place every year in Cagliari
on May 1st., The traditional weddings of the town of Selargius are also worth mentioning.
Two of the most popular events are the Jazzinsardegna festival and the Monumenti Aperti
series of events.
THE PROVINCE OF CARBONIA-IGLESIAS
The Province of Carbonia-Iglesias enjoys a rich cultural heritage, including places of great
historical, archaeological and mining interest, which are the expression of local identity.
4
http://www.sardegnaambiente.it/index.php?xsl=1809&s=23&v=9&c=9479&es=4272&na=1&n=10
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CULTURAL RESOURCES
The Sulcis-Iglesias area is characterised by the most diversified and widespread mining
activities carried out during the last few centuries in Italy, with its Parco Geominerario
della Sardegna. A large part of the Parco, consisting of a number of abandoned mines,
has been awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO.
The itineraries connected to the mining tradition of the Province include aspects
related to architecture and industrial archaeology, science, engineering, social and cultural
elements created and enshrined in the territory by the mining civilization. The mines, no
longer exploited for extraction purposes, are extremely interesting examples of industrial
archaeology and are now used as centres of cultural promotion.
The province, in addition to the UNESCO site, includes 33 libraries, 14 museums, 60
monuments and 3 archaeological sites (source: www.sardegnacultura.it).
The museums are part of an articulated system of thematic itineraries, ranging from
archaeology to the mining culture, from ethnography to palaeontology, mineralogy, and
contemporary art, providing a comprehensive overview of the traditions, history and
production activities carried out in the region. (source: “visita il sulcis iglesiente” website) 5.
The cultural, architectural, historic, archaeological, archival and ethno-anthropological
heritage, the rich traditions, knowledge, rituals and customs of the island are combined
into a diversified regional cultural and tourist offer.
One of the main archaeological destinations is the site of Montessu in Villaperuccio,
where the most important rock-cut graves, the Domus de Janas of the South of Sardinia
are located. Dating back to about 5,000 years ago, the site includes almost forty Domus
de Janas of different types.
Cultural events and performances, a mixture of local tradition and international and
Mediterranean influences are for the most part organized in summer. From July to
September, the Province hosts concerts, reading sessions and plays in the charming
settings of temples, ancient tuna-fishing sites, mines and centuries-old olive groves. The
main festival, a pole of attraction for thousands of people, is the "Narcao Blues" festival of
Sant'Anna Arresi, held at the end of August.
Among the traditional religious events, the Easter celebrations of Sant'Antioco, the
oldest of the island, and the Holy Week of Iglesias, with inspiring atmospheres created by
rituals full of spirituality, that has been unchanged since the eighteenth century. The
Mauritano Wedding, the traditional wedding celebrated in August by the "Moors", as the
people of Sulcis used to be called, is a testimony to the contacts between the peoples of
South Sardinia and Africa.
5
http://www.sulcisiglesiente.eu/?bn=n
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CULTURAL RESOURCES
THE PROVINCE OF MEDIO CAMPIDANO
In the Province of Medio Campidano, there are several important cultural assets which are
also major cultural attractions: monuments, churches, archaeological sites, medieval
houses, ancient shrines and hermitages, which together with the music, costumes,
traditional dances, sculptures, paintings, literature and traditions, are the expression of an
ancient civilization and its deeply-rooted identity.
The whole Province includes 38 libraries, 20 museums, 40 monuments, and 5
archaeological sites (source: www.sardegnacultura.it).
The two library systems of the territory, the Marmilla and the Monte Linas, include
160,605 volumes. The Catalogo Bibliografico di Autori del Medio Campidano is an
updated tool available to anyone who wishes to get a biographical and bibliographical
overview of the writers born in the province who have published their works since 1950.
The area includes about 20 museums. The Museo del territorio of Villanovaforru is one of
the main cultural attractions of the area and it is part of a system that includes also the
archaeological area and the Museum of the "Su Mulino" Nuragic archaeological site in
Villanovafranca. In addition to them, other attractors are the knife museums of Arbus, Villa
Abbas in Sardara and Santa Barbara in Villacidro.
The Architectural Heritage of the territory is divided into classical campidanesi houses,
made mainly of terra cruda. The area of Samassi hosts the headquarters of the National
Association of Terra Cruda 6 of which several municipalities are members. In such
municipalities, several projects are being undertaken to increase the value of terra cruda
buildings and to protect the construction know-how connected to that type of buildings.
The hilly territory of Marmilla hosts several archaeological monuments, such as the
Domus de Janas, the Nuraghes, the Graves of the Giants, the Phoenician-Punic sites and
the Roman and medieval remains. The highest expression of the Nuragic culture in
Sardinia is the megalithic UNESCO World Heritage "Su Nuraxi" site of Barumini. Of
great importance are also the complex of "Genna Maria" Nuraghe in Villanovaforru and
"Su Mulinu" in Villanovafranca, the Grave of the Giants of Siddi and the Neapolis
archaeological system of Guspini.
The territory of the Province of Medio Campidano also includes the Geo-Mining Park of
Sardinia: several mining sites of interest may be found there. Thanks to the funds
invested by the local administrations, several sites are now safe and restored, and
important tourist destinations. The most important mining sites of the area are Ingurtosu
in Arbus and Montevecchio in Guspini, a mining archaeological heritage hosted by an area
of recognized environmental value. Other important sites are Gonnosfanadiga, Villacidro,
San Gavino and Sardara.
6
http://www.terracruda.org/
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CULTURAL RESOURCES
In the Municipality of Sardara there are also hot springs, which are still exploited by two
modern thermal Spas for therapeutic purposes. Sardara also hosts the popular Holy Well
of Sant'Anastasia. The castles of Monreale in Sardara, Las Plassas and the fortified
castle of Sanluri, the only one still intact on the island, provide clear evidence of the
economic and strategic role that the territory played during the Middle Ages, for the two
Giudicati of Cagliari and Arborea.
Worth mentioning are also the "Sardegna in miniatura" park in Tuili, a unique facility in
Sardinia with a fairly good level of attractiveness, and the "G. Dessi" Cultural Park,
including the towns of Villacidro, Guspini, Arbus, San Gavino, Fluminimaggiore and
Buggerru. In the province, there are several other interesting sites which are worth
mentioning and add to the above-mentioned cultural attractions. For instance, the
churches: San Nicola of Mira in Guspini, San Giovanni Battista in Lunamatrona, Madonna
delle Grazie in Sanluri, San Leonardo in Serramanna, San Lorenzo in Villanovafranca.
The Province is also characterized by festivals and cultural events which draw the
attention of visitors from within and without the island borders: Sa Battalla in Sanluri, a
medieval festival that reconstructs an important battle of the past of Sardinia; the "G
Dessì" National Literary Award, one of the main cultural events of Sardinia; the Arresojas
in Guspini, a biennial event promoted by the knife industry that is very well known for the
uniqueness of the products and its top level craftsmanship; the Feast of the village of
Sanluri, a very important occasion of historical recollection connected to traditional
products and crafts; the Carnival of San Gavino, an important regional event.
The area hosts several festivals connected to local culinary traditions and know-how,
which every year attract tourist flows especially from the rest of Sardinia. During the year,
the Province and the municipalities organize in each town a food "sagra", that is, a festival,
with typical products from each town: the bread and olive festivals in Gonnosfanadiga, the
saffron festival in San Gavino Monreale, the melon festival in Lunamatrona, etc.
The Province enjoys also several sports events. One of the most important of them takes
place in April in Serramanna, the popular "Trophy of Athletics", a national road competition
with a history of almost thirty years. Also important is the "Nel Linas in bici da montagna"
mountain-bike gathering that takes place in Gonnosfanadiga. The "Premio Fantini della
Sardegna” equestrian prize is an opportunity for international exposure not only for the
newly built hippodrome of Villacidro, but also for Medio Campidano and Sardinia as a
whole. The city of Villacidro hosts the "Triathlon Internazionale Città di Villacidro" event
that attracts tourists, sports enthusiasts and athletes of national and international level.
The Rio Leni lake in Villacidro is the perfect scenario for the "Il lago di corsa" foot race.
The Medio Campidano region also includes the territory of Villanovafranca where a gokart track is located, the only facility of Sardinia certified for international competitions,
where competitions at national, regional and provincial levels are usually organized. The
track may also be used for cars, motorcycles, mini-karts and mini-bikes.
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CULTURAL RESOURCES
The Medio Campidano region also hosts several religious festivals which attract tourists
and visitors from all over Sardinia. These events are an opportunity to get in touch with the
very core of local folk and religious traditions. Festivals have always been a time of leisure
traditionally linked to religion and to local cults. The great local festivals (lasting 2 or 3
days) are scheduled according to traditional calendars and are organized mostly between
late spring and early autumn. The highest expressions of religiosity are the solemn
masses and the great religious processions of the faithful who follow the statue of the
patron saint along the town or up to the country church.
THE PROVINCE OF NUORO
The Province of Nuoro enjoys the presence of significant cultural resources. Such
resources are of particular interest, because they are the expression of local tradition and
culture, and due to the fact that they are organized throughout the provincial territory.
In the province there are 74 libraries, 26 museums, 81 monuments, and 16 archaeological
sites (source: www.sardegnacultura.it).
The territory is characterized by the presence of archaeological heritage and valuable
cultural heritage dating back to different ages: the Nuraghes, the menhirs, the Domus de
Janas, the Graves of the Giants. There is a great number of pieces dating back to the preNuragic and Nuragic ages (especially the Nuraghes and the Nuragic villages).
In addition to the rich archaeological heritage, with a significant concentration in the
Marghine area and in the municipalities of Dorgali and Macomer, the area is characterized
by the presence of Old Towns of great interest, including significant architectural
monuments which provide evidence of local traditions and culture.
This heritage adds to important museums which foster and promote local culture, such as:
the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions, the MAN museum of contemporary art in
Nuoro 7 and the Nivola's Museum in Orani 8 , the Museum of Mediterranean Masks in
Mamoiada 9, the multimedia museum in Bitti dedicated to the "a tenore" traditional singing
(listed by UNESCO as an Oral and Intangible World Heritage).
In the province there are several cultural operators: schools, libraries, educational
institutions, the ISRE (Regional Institute of Ethnography) 10, the Grazia Deledda Cultural
Park in Galtellì 11 , publishing houses (Ilisso, Il Maestrale), private organizations and
cooperatives which organize cultural events (Ilos), a significant number of cultural
associations and various folk groups.
The Province also enjoys a great number of cultural events, such as the Gavoi literary
festival and children's literary festival, as well as those linked to local traditions: Autunno in
7
http://www.museoman.it/
http://www.museonivola.it/
9
http://www.museodellemaschere.it/
10
http://www.isresardegna.it/
11
http://www.parcograziadeleddagaltelli.it/default.aspx
8
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CULTURAL RESOURCES
Barbagia “Cortes Apertas”, the Festival Internazionale del folclore di Bolotana. One of the
most popular festivals is the Carnival, with its traditional masks coming from different
countries, that has been studied by many Sardinian and international anthropologists. The
most famous masks are Mamoiada's sos mamuthones.
Services and information on the history, culture, art and traditions of the area are provided
by the Archeo Etnos Sardegna consortium 12 that has been operating since the Eighties in
the management, protection and enhancement of the archaeological sites and museums
of the Province.
Dedicated to the promotion of the local cultural heritage, the LABNET project was
launched by the provincial administration and includes a laboratory for the restoration of
old towns, fostering the study and cataloguing of construction techniques, materials and
traditional building components.
Another interesting project in the cultural field is the Circuito Storico Culturale della
Barbagia 13 , that is intended to create a system for the integrated development and
promotion of historical and cultural resources, and the archaeological sites in the territory
of the former Comunità Montana del Nuorese. The project aims to promote the mountain
area of the Province of Nuoro and includes a number of municipalities, namely: Nuoro,
Fonni, Gavoi, Lodine, Mamoiada, Oliena, Ollolai, Olzai, Oniferi, Orani, Orgosolo, Orotelli,
Orune, Ottana and Sarule, with their different traditions, morphology, culture and
environment.
THE PROVINCE OF OGLIASTRA
The Province of Ogliastra is one of the richest of Sardinia in terms of the Cultural Heritage.
In the Province, there are 29 libraries, 11 museums, 19 monuments, and 7 archaeological
sites (source: www.sardegnacultura.it).
The Sehuiense Monumental Museum Route includes the Art Nouveau Palace, the Farci
House, the 1647 Spanish Baron Prison, the Municipal Gallery, the Caredda Loy House,
the Churches of San Giovanni and Santa Maria Maddalena. One of the most important
museums is the Fondazione museo di arte contemporanea “Stazione dell’arte” 14 of
Ulassai dedicated to the preservation, promotion and exhibition of works by artist Maria
Lai.
Scattered throughout the territory of the Province, there are several archaeological
monuments documenting the presence of human settlements dating back to the third
millennium B.C. and the stratification of relevant historical evidence. As regards to
archaeological heritage, the most visible evidence is provided by the Domus de Janas:
Monte Arista, Cardedu, Genna Tramonti, Tracucu, Lotzorai, Perda Carcina, Ilbono, Ibba
Manna, Pirarba e Funtana Su Retore, Barisardo, Is Arceddas and Loceri. The presence of
12
http://www.archeoetnos.com/index.htm
http://www.circuitobarbagia.it/
14
http://www.stazionedellarte.it/index.htm
13
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CULTURAL RESOURCES
numerous menhirs, such as those in the countryside of Tortoli, Lotzorai and Barisardo,
adds to the remains of funerary objects and other artefacts found in the caves scattered
around the area. The spatial distribution of the archaeological sites is particularly
interesting due to the types of Nuraghes, which are numerous and present in almost all
municipalities, with a greater concentration in the municipalities of Ilbono, Tertenia, Tortoli
and Urzulei.
The architectural heritage of the Province is worth mentioning, including religious
buildings, towers, museums and civic buildings. Of particular importance, the remains of
castles and watchtowers dating back to the Middle Ages, testimony of various civilizations
and Sardinian Giudicati. One of the most important coastal towers is Santa Maria
Navarrese's in Baunei, that was acquired by the Coast Curatorship within an Integrated
Enhancement Programme.
Several municipalities also include their Old Towns as part of their monumental and
cultural heritage, due to their peculiar architectural features.
The isolation that has always characterized the area, has protected the social and
anthropological elements of local culture from external contamination, while maintaining
diversified traditions and customs, which are still rooted in the local community identity.
Throughout the Province of Ogliastra, traditional festivals are organized during most of
the year, such as religious celebrations, public balls and dinners. One of the most popular
holidays is the carnevale ogliastrino with its typical masks: one of the most relevant is that
organized in Ulassai.
There are several festivals related to traditional local food products: the Pore Mushroom
festival in Arzana; the Su Nenniri in Barì Sardo; and the wine festival in Jerzu, that has
been going on for thirty years and is characterized by an impressive parade of Sardinian
and foreign folk groups. Wine tasting is very popular, offering a wide selection of
Cannonau grapes and local products such as culurgiones, coccoi prenas, coccoi de
tamata and desserts.
In August, one of the most popular cultural events is Calici di Stelle (Goblets of Stars)
that is organized by the ancient wineries of the old town, where tourists can taste the finest
wines, accompanied by local products. Accompaniment is provided by Sardinian artists,
the tenores, and the launeddas players. In August, the Festival dei Tacchi Teatro Ogliastra
is also organized, being one of the main theatre festivals at national level.
THE PROVINCE OF OLBIA-TEMPIO
In the province of Olbia-Tempio there are a significant number of cultural attractions. The
list of cultural and archaeological sites located within the provincial borders includes:
•
38 libraries
•
18 museums, including: The Art and History Museum of the Compendio
Garibaldino di Caprera and the "Nino Lamboglia" Naval Archaeological Museum of
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CULTURAL RESOURCES
La Maddalena; the "Galluras" Ethnographic Museum, along with the Dolmens and
the millennial Oleasters of Luras; the “Oliva Carta Cannas” Ethnographic Museum
(MEOC) in Aggius; the Demo-ethno-anthropological Documentation Centre in
Palau; the Bortigiadas Mineralogical Museum; the Enoteca Regionale della
Sardegna Wine Museum in Berchidda; the "Bernardo de Muro" exhibition centre in
Tempio Pausania; the Museum of Contemporary Art in Buddusò
•
53 monuments, including: The Pedres Castle and the Punic city walls of Olbia; the
Monte Altura Fort in Palau; the Albucciu Nuraghe in Arzachena
•
3 archaeological sites, including: The Majore Nuraghe in Tempio Pausania; the
Sacred Well of Sa Testa; the Roman aqueduct, the S'Imbalconadu Roman Farm
and Grave of the Giants of Su Monti 'e S'Ape in Olbia; the Li Muri Necropolis and
the Grave of the Giants of Li Lolghi and Coddu Ecchju in Arzachena; the
Archaeological Park of Monte Acuto and the Historical Park of Berchidda; the
Nuraghe of Loelle in Buddusò.
In order to promote cultural tourism and contribute to the diversification of tourism in the
region, some historical-archaeological routes have been organized, providing evidence
of human presence in the Province of Olbia-Tempio since ancient times: the Nuraghes, the
temples, the Nuragic tombs, the remains of Roman aqueducts.
The Compendio Garibaldino di Caprera is one of the most attractive museum hubs of
Sardinia.
Special attention should be paid to Luogosanto, where over 20 religious buildings are
located, such as country churches and a basilica dedicated to the patron saint of Gallura,
with high potential for development in the sector of religious tourism.
The religious and historical buildings based in Gallura are regarded not only as
evidence of the devotion of the faithful, but also as tools to foster local development, and
are therefore strongly supported by the Province. The popular and religious traditions of
the Gallura region are an important resource that allows the combination of history, culture
and tradition, facilitating social gathering and participation.
A local cultural event of international importance is the Time in Jazz Festival 15 of
Berchidda, a major music event launched by trumpet player Paolo Fresu, that takes place
in summer and is attended by thousands of people. The Tempio Carnival is also worth
mentioning. There are also numerous events related to the promotion of local products
and the food industry, such as the festivals dedicated to the Vermentino grapes, myrtle,
panadas, etc. and the country festivals.
Major sports events taking place in Gallura, and especially in inland areas, are: the World
Rally Competition, that was first held in the fall of 2004 along tracks winding through the
15
http://www.timeinjazz.it/
11
CULTURAL RESOURCES
areas managed by the Regional Forestry Agency; the Costa Smeralda European Rally
and the Italian Rally del Vermentino.
THE PROVINCE OF ORISTANO
The territory of the province of Oristano is characterized by a wide range of historical and
archaeological cultural resources: churches, monuments, castles, Nuragic villages,
Phoenician and Punic towns, thermal areas, mining sites, museums. In the Province, there
are 109 libraries, 30 museums, 109 monuments, and 8 archaeological sites. In addition to
the numerous sites of great historical and artistic interest and charm, other events
dedicated to food, wine, religion and local crafts and activities related to farming, are
organized in the provincial territory. One of the main attractors is the Sartiglia, that is part
of the Carnival of Oristano, one of the most anticipated and popular events of the whole
territory.
The province is characterized by a great archaeological and cultural heritage dating
back to different ages. Examples of pre-Nuragic and Nuragic remains are the hypogean
"Domus de Janas" burial caves. There are also several villages, such as Puisteris in
Mogo, Cuccuru is Arrius and Conca Illonis in Cabras, San Giovanni in Terralba, Su Anzu
in Narbolia, Su Cungiau de is Fundamentas in Simaxis and S'Uraki in San Vero Milis.
In the area of Laconi, there are several anthropomorphic menhirs, monoliths of various
sizes representing the distinctive features of the human body, forty of which are kept in the
Civic Archaeological Museum of Laconi, together with several finds from archaeological
excavations and surface research areas.
The Province hosts a great number of nuraghes, the most famous of which is the Losa
Nuraghe in Abbasanta, but also the Domu Beccia in Uras, the Cuccurada in Mogo, the
Atzara in Paulilatino, the Tradori in Riola Sardo, the Liortinas in Sennariolo, the six
nuraghes in Sagama, the Nuraddeo in Suni and the Genna 'e Corte with its remarkably
complex architectures.
Dating back to the Nuragic age, the Graves of the Giants, such as the Goronna graves in
Paulilatino, the Tanca Regia in Abbasanta, Su Crastu Covoccadu, Mura de Cannes, Mura
de Facchicano, Codina de Manunta and Su Crastu Iscrittu in Sagama, as well as the well
temples which are typical of the Late Bronze Age, when the worship of water was
performed. The most popular is Santa Cristina in Paulilatino that rises in the heart of the
village.
Important evidence of the Phoenician-Punic civilization is still found in the city centres of
Othoca, Tharros and Cornus. The most important is Tharros: founded by the Phoenicians
in the late eighth century or the ninth century B.C. The Romans left their marks in the city
centres of Tharros, Othoca and Cornus, in addition to the Trajan's Forums of
Fordongianus and the Uselis in Usellus.
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CULTURAL RESOURCES
Medieval remains, dating back to the Giudicati period, are the great Romanesque
cathedrals of Oristano, Santa Giusta, Terralba and Usellus. The Cathedral of Santa
Giusta is undamaged and one of the most important examples of Romanesque
architecture in Sardinia. Other important examples of the medieval period are the ruins of
the castle of Laconi, inside the Aymerich Park, the Castle of Serravalle and the latemedieval centre of Sa Costa in Bosa, the Church of San Piero, and the Cathedral of the
Immacolata, dating back to the early twelfth century and rebuilt in the fifteenth century.
Evidence of the conquest of Catalonia and Aragon, and the spread of the Gothic style, is
provided by the Archivietto of the Cathedral of Oristano; the country churches of San
Domenico and San Martino, located along the territories of the Tirso valley, Ulà Tirso,
Neoneli, Ardauli, Allai, Busachi, Samugheo, etc.
In Bosa, on the left bank of the Temo river, the industrial district of Sas Conzas (The
Tanneries) is located, with large buildings facing the Temo, used since the Eighteenth
century by the tanning industry, a true relic of industrial archaeology. The complex was
classified as a "National Monument" by decree of the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and
Activities.
Notably, the Museum system of Arborea has been established: a network of museums,
collections, cultural sites and eco-museums located in the Province of Oristano and other
areas connected to it, focusing on landscape -related topics, as provided for by the
Regional Landscape Plan. The system has dedicated in particular to the characterization
and the enhancement of the cultural, environmental and landscape heritage of the area, to
foster a more comprehensive cultural offer. It aims to ensure a better use of the facilities
and the sites and the increase in number of their visitors, encouraging the promotion of
joint activities, especially between small-sized public administrations. It aims to enhance
the relationship between museums and the territory, in order to make sure that local
residents are the first to benefit from the cultural heritage and to prompt new ideas for local
development.
Recently 16 , the “Museo e centro di documentazione regionale della Sardegna
giudicale” was established in Oristano, at the Arcais Palace and in Sanluri at the former
Monte Granatico.
The creation of new opportunities through the development of cultural resources and
tourism is one of the objectives of the NewCiMed cooperation project: New Cities of the
Mediterranean Sea Basin17, co-funded by the EU ENPI CBC MED Programme, of which
the Province of Oristano is a partner institution.
16
17
Resolution of the Regional Council No.19/26 of 05/14/2013
http://www.newcimed.com/
13
CULTURAL RESOURCES
THE PROVINCE OF SASSARI
The territory of the Province of Sassari enjoys historical and cultural resources of great
value. On the territory there are: 142 libraries; 38 museums; 182 monuments; 9
archaeological sites.
The three royal cities of Alghero, Castelsardo and Sassari are characterized by charming
Old Towns. The Nuragic and pre-Nuragic archaeological sites include several Domus de
Janas, Graves of the Giants and Nuraghes: Santu Antine is one of the best preserved
Nuraghes of Sardinia; the archaeological area of Anghelo Ruiu in the area of Alghero with
its Domus de Janas Necropolis; the historical Roman artefacts of Turris Libysonis, the
modern Porto Torres, with its Roman bridge and the necropolis.
The Argentiera, a great example of mining archaeology, is located within the History
and Environment Geo-mining Park of Sardinia. It is a former mining facility, already
exploited in the Romanesque period, that stopped production during the Sixties.
There are several city and country churches, including the eleventh century Basilica of
San Gavino in Porto Torres, one of the finest Romanesque cathedrals in Europe.
The list of museums includes:
•
The Logudoro Meilogu Foundation – FLM Museum of Contemporary Art of
Banari, with a permanent collection that includes works by the most important
Sardinian contemporary artists. With the recent acquisitions of works dating back to
the early twentieth century, the museum displays more than 400 pieces of fine art,
including paintings and sculptures. Temporary exhibitions have enjoyed great
success and, during the summer season, Banari hosts thousands of visitors.
•
The "Sanna Museum" of Sassari, that displays a great collection of archaeological
and ethnographic artefacts, from the Nuragic age to the Middle Ages, and organizes
archaeological tours and cultural events;
•
The Grazia Deledda Literary Park and the Su Palathu Photographic Museum.
The Province also enjoys popular religious traditions such as the Candelieri of Sassari
and Nulvi, the Holy Week of Alghero and Castelsardo, and fairs and festivals of great
interest. Some religious, folk and leisure events attract tourists from all over Europe: the
Sardinian Cavalcata, the great "festival of beauty" that every year, at the end of May,
celebrates the spring and gathers in Sassari groups of people from several villages of the
island, dressed up in their local traditional costumes.
The great cultural diversity of the Province of Sassari is also testifies by the rich
handicraft production that keeps ancient crafting techniques alive, such as the
manufacturing of tapestries, baskets, ceramics, furniture, wooden objects, knives, and
coral jewellery.
14
CULTURAL RESOURCES
After its restoration and functional redevelopment, the Pavilion designed by Ubaldo Badas
has been reopened: the space, that used to host the headquarters of the ISOLA Institute,
was originally built to serve as the main building of the Regional museum of crafts and
design dedicated to Eugenio Tavolara, a central figure in the development of post-war
Sardinian craftsmanship. The building should soon host the ISOLA historical collections,
including jewellery, textiles, ceramics and baskets, which have never been displayed
during the last fifty years of activity.
The Province of Sassari has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Ministry for Cultural Heritage and the Regional Government for the establishment of a joint
Centre for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage, with higher educational
and training purposes in the field of restoration, to be based in "Li Punti", Sassari. The
project, funded by the Regional Authority with 6.5 million Euro allocation, is divided into
departments and sections - labs, warehouses, exhibitions, a training centre - and will
provide a logical and practical pathway for the conservation of cultural heritage, including
the discovery, conservation and enjoyment by the public of finds and restored pieces. The
centre is the first of its kind, size and objective, throughout the Mediterranean Basin, and it
offers the opportunity to gain professional excellence, fostering employment and economic
growth.
15

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