It is no coincidence that a good four of the seven municipalities that comprise the historic region of Marghine are part of the Club dei Borghi d’Italia. This rural and mountainous area is amongst the richest in prehistoric and protohistoric monuments in all of Sardinia.
Extending across fertile terrain, the Marghine is rich in centuries-old holm oak and oak woods.
Passing through the municipality of Lei, we find evidence showing how this land has been inhabited since Neolithic times. In the locality of Sa Tanchitta, a coin bearing the Emperor Trajan was even found, whilst pieces of Roman earthenware and a Punic-era bracelet were unearthed in Cala Frigheddu and Beraniles. A centuries-old history blends with modernity in Birori, where there are the Tombs of Giants “Su Palatu” and “Lassia” within the town, whilst on the outskirts are the “Arbu” and “Miuddu” nuraghi. Yet, this territory is worth visiting for much more than its archaeological riches. The products of its fertile lands are the pillars of its economy, based on agriculture and textiles, with its magnificent artisan rug productions. Indeed, in Macomer, visitors can explore “Le Arti Antiche” museum, housed in a typically-Sardinian 19th-century noble residence that allows you to gain a deep understanding of the agro-pastoral and artisan traditions of the region. Here too are numerous archaeological complexes. Amongst the most significant is the Santa Barbara nuraghe, a breath-taking and imposing structure with a central tower reaching 15 metres in height, a stand-out on Monte Manai that offers a postcard-perfect landscape on the Abbasanta plain. The Bronze Age left an indelible mark on the entire territory. The sepulchral complex of Perdas de Tamuli and the Ruju Nuraghe are also must-sees, without overlooking the evocative Necropolis of Filigrosa.
The main hub of craftsmanship is Bolotana, another authentic village of Italy thanks to its unique narrow and undulating streets. Its genius loci is characterised by hand-sewn Sardinian rugs depicting incredible geometric designs. Here, in addition to the Nuragic sites, you can visit the fantastic Villa Piercy, the residence of English engineer Benjamin Piercy who planted numerous exotic plants around the abode that continue to create an enchanted and mysterious atmosphere in one of the most beautiful gardens in all of Sardinia. An enchanted atmosphere can be experienced on the streets of Bortigali, with the church of Sant’Antonio nestled within a grotto and the various houses that still bear portals from the Catalan-Aragonese era, whilst heading towards the Monte “Santu Padre”, curious visitors will be flabbergasted by its 360-degree panoramic vista of Gennargentu, Sulcis and Logudoro – a view that embraces the entire centre of the island from the highest peaks to the sea along the west coast. Then there is the majestic Orolo nuraghe that still contains two floors that can be visited in their entirety. There is something truly magical about Marghine, as is confirmed by Silanus, another town amongst the authentic villages of Italy, which boasts a unique world record: the most residents over the age of one hundred years living in the town, with a good seven to be counted in the early-2000s. Here, the extraordinary complex of Santa Sabina can be visited. In addition to a nuraghe in an excellent state of preservation is one of the most significant works of early-medieval Sardinian architecture, the Church of Santa Sabina, before we are catapulted into the 14th century to the frescoes within the Church of San Lorenzo.
During the first half of May, it is also possible to take part in the Sagra de su Ischidu (a food festival dedicated to a variety of fermented milk, akin to a sour cream cheese and the only one of its kind in Italy) and savour the excellent recipes typical to this area.
A visit to the Marghine is one way to keep off the mass tourism routes, with many surprises in store. It will be an immersion in the history of the entire island, into an ancient territory in which to savour a unique and unforgettable experience in close contact with a vital part of the overall cultural heritage of Sardinia as a whole.
PIANO STRAORDINARIO DI RILANCIO DEL NUORESE - POR FESR SARDEGNA 2014-2020
AZIONE 6.8.3. - Progetto VISIT NUORESE
