Barbagia and Nuoro area · Provincia di Nuoro

Things to do in Osidda

Things to see in Osidda, Sardinia: granite village, Palazzo Delogu, one of the island's tallest menhirs, nuraghi and cork oak trails near Nuoro.

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Osidda is a tiny granite village on the north-western edge of the Bitti plateau, in the province of Nuoro, a few kilometres from Buddusò and close to the Tirso river. With just over two hundred residents it is the smallest municipality in the Nuoro area, which is exactly why it feels so genuine and untouched by mass tourism. Come here if you love archaeology, walks among cork oaks and inland villages where life moves slowly.

What to see in Osidda

The old village and Palazzo Delogu

The centre is made of granite houses, paved lanes, wrought-iron balconies overflowing with flowers and interiors with wooden ceilings and floors. The village symbol is Palazzo Delogu, an elegant 19th-century residence. In the main square, inside a former barracks, you'll find a miniature nativity scene whose figures wear traditional Sardinian costumes, and the town hall hosts an exhibition of old photographs.

Sant'Angelo church

The parish church of Sant'Angelo stands on the highest point of the village and dates back to the 13th century. The municipal park lies next to it.

The menhir and the nuraghi

North of the village, at Punta Santu Paulu, stood the original settlement. A few steps away rises a menhir more than seven metres tall, one of the tallest in Sardinia. The area has about fifteen nuraghi (Bronze Age stone towers) and several giants' tombs (collective Bronze Age burials). The best preserved include s'Iscobalzu, a tower about five metres high; Piradolta, with a nuraghe and a giants' tomb; Usanis, built on a granite boulder; and Merula, next to a sacred well. The most important site is the Nuragic and post-Nuragic settlement of Sa Contra 'e s'Eris.

Things to do in Osidda

Osidda is best explored on foot: old paths wind through cork oak woods with views over the plateau, perfect for easy hikes, horseback rides and archaeology trails. Cyclists will enjoy the quiet, rolling back roads between Osidda, Buddusò and Bitti. Browse the experiences offered by local operators just below and discover the area with people who really know it.

History

People lived here in the Neolithic and Nuragic ages. In Roman times there was a settlement of some importance: coins and other finds have come to light at Ogrilla. In the Middle Ages the village belonged to the curatoria of Monte Acuto, then around the mid-14th century it passed to the Aragonese and became a fief, later part of the duchy of Monte Acuto. It bought its freedom in 1839, when the feudal system was abolished. Farming and sheep rearing still shape the local economy.

What to eat and buy

Expect the shepherds' cuisine of the Nuoro area: sheep's cheeses, cured meats and home-baked bread. The most prized local crafts are loom-woven rugs and tapestries.

Festivals and traditions

In May the community honours the martyrdom and burial of Sant'Angelo at the parish church; in late August there are civic celebrations with music and evenings in the square.

Nearby

Buddusò, about 6 km away: granite, the Loelle nuraghe and the Ludurru necropolis.
Bitti and the Nuragic village-sanctuary of Romanzesu, plus the museum of canto a tenore (Sardinian polyphonic singing).
Nule, with the Voes nuraghe and its rug-weaving tradition.
Pattada and the Monte Lerno forest.
Benetutti and the country church of San Saturnino.

Getting there and when to go

The nearest airport and port are in Olbia, about an hour's drive away; from Nuoro it takes about an hour via Bitti. Spring and early autumn are the best seasons, with mild weather for walking; in summer the hill-country evenings stay pleasantly cool.