History and Remains

Because of its strategic geographic location, Sardinia has suffered countless invasions over the centuries (Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Spanish). Invaders left a strong print in the culture, language and architecture of the island.

The rich Sardinian history can be traced back to the Neolithic and Megalithic period, of which settlements, tombs and temples can be found everywhere in the countryside. A lot of the information available about this era is based more on speculation rather than real knowledge. Ancient remains are the Domus de Janas (small tombs excavated into the rock) and the Tombe dei Giganti (Tombs of the Giants) and most interesting of all are Nuraghi, of which there are over 7,000 in Sardinia. Nuraghi are fortifications built with huge stones and without mortar or foundations, the only thing keeping the structure together is the actual weight of the stone. The best ones to visit are Nuraghe Losa ( Abbasanta), the Barumini complex and Santu Antine in Torralba. Near this forts were also built holy wells, impressive the one of Santa Cristina in Paulilatino, and the Dolmen burial grounds.

The island geographical location made it an ideal trading post. Invasions of the island started with the Phoenicians in 1000 BC, followed by the Romans (for 700 years). The Romans enriched Sardinia with roads, baths, aqueducts and temples. There are numerous Phoenicians and Roman archeological sites scattered along the coast, such as Tharros (west coast near Oristano), Nora (south coast near Cagliari), Cagliari amphitheatre, Fordongianus Spa baths and Antas Temple in Fluminimaggiore, which deserves a visit not only for historic reasons but also for its lovely setting.

The fall of the Roman Empire saw for centuries the Vandals, Byzantines and Arabs fighting for the strategic ports, until the Maritime Republics of Pisa and Genoa took control. The Pisan fortified castle (Il Castello) in Cagliari, the renowned Pisan church of Santissima Trinita’ di Saccargia, Castelsardo fortress and the Malaspina Castle in Bosa are all a legacy of this period.

Eventually, the Catalan Crown of Aragon come to rule (1323). The Aragonese built the strategic watchtowers still found all along the coast, to protect the island from the Saracens attacks. The town of Alghero with its great city walls is a fine example of Catalan architecture and in the village of Fordongianus the famous Aragonese House has been transformed into a museum. The church of Santa Giusta and Ales and Sassari Cathedrals were built by the Crown. The first universities in Sardinia were set up, in Sassari and Cagliari.

In the Treaty of Utrecht (1713) Sardinia was passed on to Austria and then to the House of Savoy in the Treaty of London. Due to economic crises, grave social unrest and attacks by the French, the Savoyards were forced to join Sardinia with the Kingdom of Italy (1861). The House of Savoy developed the harbours of Cagliari and Porto Torres, they improved the Universities and left some very impressive buildings, such as: the theatres in Cagliari, Sassari and Alghero; Cagliari Town Hall, administration buildings, several monuments and the art gallery.

Under Italy the first steps to improve the situation of the island were taken. The mining industry was developed, the first rail service between Cagliari and Sassari was set up, and thanks to Mussolini very successful farming communities were created through the reclamation of land. Near Oristano Mussolini created Arborea, which still is the most florid agricultural centre in Sardinia. In Arborea, town planning and architecture fully reflect that time. Mussolini also established Carbonia as the major centre of the mining industry. With the decline in demand of coal and high costs of transport, the mining industry collapsed. Today a Geological Mining Park has been created to develop tourism in the mining areas, so it is possible to visit the impressive mines in a remote and underdeveloped area (south west coast) of astounding beauty.

Calendar of Events

Pretty much every day of the year you will find places in Sardinia celebrating religious festivals or organising ‘sagre’ (food fairs where you can have free tastings of local produce), exhibitions, folk, cultural or sports events. At most of these events you will have a chance to experience Sardinian culture watching the locals in traditional costumes and listening to folk music and songs. Here are only some of the main events.

16-17 January – St. Antonio. Celebrated widely across the island with a bonfire. Worth attending the Mamoiada celebrations with the participation of the masked Mamuthones.

February (week before Lent) – The Carnival. Every village has a fascinating set of traditions, not to be missed are: in Oristano the Sartiglia and Pariglia - this is a Medieval horse tournament followed by perilous acrobatics on horses and parades in historical costumes; 'Sa Carrela 'e Nanti' in Santu Lussurgiu. A reckless horse race through the village streets by costume dressed riders; and the Mamoiada, Samugheo, Ottana Parades of boisterous figures masked with traditional wooden masks, furs and bells reproducing agricultural life and historical events.

Early March – Sagra del Riccio di Mare in Alghero. Sea Urchin food fair.

Easter Week – Very solemn religious ceremonies and processions take place all over the island. Noteworthy is the Castelsardo Pasquetta (day after Easter) celebrations.

1st May (4-day event) – St. Efisio in Cagliari. A grand procession beginning at midday. This is the chance to admire traditional costumes and culture from all over island.

15 to 18 May – World Rally Championship, Olbia and Porto Cervo.

End of May (Ascension Day) – Cavalcata Sarda in Sassari. One of the major island displays of costumes, culture and folklore.

June - St. Pietro in Carloforte. The festival begins with a huge tuna fishing spree and follows into the night with music, dancing and tuna binges.

1–3 June - La Cavalcata in Santu Lussurgiu. Another traditional horse race.

June - Regional Horse Fair in Santu Lussurgiu.

11 June – Arts & Crafts Fair in Villanova Monteleone.

June - Corpus Domini in Arborea. Spectacular street floral display.

6 July - S'Ardia in Sedilo. An incredibly reckless horse race of ceremonial origin, starting in a dusty track and ending inside St.Constantine church walls. Celebrations go on for 2 days.

Second Sunday of July – Sagra del Torrone, Tonara. Locals dressed in costume prepare the famous local nougat, in the village streets, and serve it to the huge crowd.

July - Regata de is Fassonis in Barattili San Pietro. Regata with traditional cane boats.

End of July - Sagra delle Angurie in Arborea. Watermelons fair.

End of July - Fiera del Tappeto Sardo in Mogoro. Traditional Sardinian woven carpets exhibition.

End of July – International Folk Festival, Tempio.

July & August – Street Music Festivals are organised everywhere. The Nuoro province and Calagone area are famous for their international Jazz festivals, to which famous performers from all over the world participate.

4th August – Sagra del Vino, Jerzu. Local Canonau wine fair.

6th August - Sagra della Vernaccia in Baratili. Vernaccia wine fair.

14th August - I Candelieri, Sassari. Candles weighting about 200-300 Kg, decorated with the Sassari patron saint and guilds coats of arms, are carried in a procession by guilds members. This is a major folk event.

Mid August (one week) - Jazz Festival held yearly in Berchidda.

August - Mostra dell'Artigianato del Mandrolisai in Samugheo. Arts & Crafts show (carpets, furniture and ceramics).

29th August – Processione del Redentore, Nuoro. Popular celebrations in honour of Christ the Redeemer with a procession and folk events held on the top of Monte Ortobene and Nuoro town.

September - Sardegna Cavalli, Oristano. Major Horse Show.

First Sunday of September – La corsa degli Scalzi (the barefoot run), Cabras. Youngsters wearing tunics run barefoot for 6 miles from the village of Cabras to the countryside church of St.Salvatore for celebrations.

Last week in October – Chestnut Festival, Aritzo.

November - Rassegna dei Vini Novelli della Sardegna, Milis - Renowned wine exhibition to introduce novello wines.

13th December – Santa Lucia celebrations, Tempio.