Centre Sardinia

Nuoro

A mountain town and an important cultural center, Nuoro was the hometown of Grazia Deledda, the 1926 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature.

A candidate for the 2020 Italian capital of culture, it hosts some of the most important museums in Sardinia, such as the Costume Museum and the Museo Ciusa.

Every summer, Nuoro celebrates the Feast of Christ the Redeemer, a religious and folkloric festival that takes place between the city and the lush Monte Ortobene.

Orgosolo

What makes this village, located at the foot of the beautiful Supramonte, unique is the almost 200 political and illustrative murals that depict the problems of the world. Painted on the facades of the houses and along the streets of the village murals make Orgosolo a virtual open air art gallery.

From the majestic sinkhole Su Suercone to the Forest of Montes, a centuries-old holm oaks, to Mount Novo San Giovanni, a mountain with a spectacular 360^o view, nature too is on display in this vivid village.

Oliena

Nestled at the foot of Monte Corrasi, in the territory of Oliena human presence has been traced back since the Paleolithic era, following the surprising discovery of a hand phalanx dated 20,000 years ago. This artifact was found in the Corbeddu Cave and is now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Nuoro.

From the Nuragic period, the most significant site is the complex Sa Sedda ‘e Sos Carros, an ancient forge where religious rituals linked to the cult of water were practiced.

The culinary and wine offerings are rich and varied, with the Nepente wine standing out, praised even by the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio when he spent several days in Oliena.

However, the karst phenomena are the main attractions in this area: the Su Gologone Spring is just one astonishing example.

Dorgali

One of the most evocative sites on the whole island can be found in the territory of Dorgali: Tiscali, a massive sinkhole once settled by the Nuragic Culture. Showing how geology and archaeology interact, it is one of the most mysterious and magical places on Sardinia.

Other cultural attractions include the Nuragic complex of Serra Orrios and the Tomb of Giants of S’Ena ‘e Thomes.

Dorgali also boasts natural wealth and beauty: the Sea Oxen and the Ispinigoli caves, as well as some of the most enchanting coves (cales) of Sardinia.

Orani

A small town on the slopes of Mount Gonare, Orani not only enjoys outstanding views down the west all the way to the east coast, but also hosts the highest church in Sardinia, Our Lady of Gonare.

The town hosts several other churches which, despite their frugal appearance, are decorated with valuable frescoes.

Costantino Nivola, one of the greatest contemporary Italian sculptors, was born here in 1911 and a museum features work by Orani’s native son.

 Laconi

Laconi is a village that personifies the natural and archaeological heritage of the Marmilla and Sarcidano subregions. It hosts Aimerich Park, the largest city park in Sardinia, which features woods and waterfalls, as well as the ruins of a castle belonging to the noble Aimerich family.

In Laconi is the Menhir Museum, which contains dozens of menhir found in the surrounding area. Many more remain scattered across the countryside.

One of the most revered saints in Sardinia, Saint Ignazio, was from Laconi. At the end of August they celebrate his festival, during which thousands of pilgrims come from all over Sardinia to gather together and pray in the parish church dedicated to him.