Things to do in Decimomannu

Decimomannu is a town of about 8,000 people some 20 km west of Cagliari, lying in a bend of the Flumini Mannu river. Its name recalls its origin: it stood at the tenth mile of the Roman road out of Cagliari. It's famous across Sardinia for the feast of Santa Greca, which draws thousands of pilgrims every autumn, and it has one of the island's finest Roman bridges. It's a great stop for history lovers, folk-festival fans and anyone exploring southern Sardinia by train.

What to see in Decimomannu

Bingia Manna Roman bridge

Over the Rio Mannu, to the left of the SS 130, stands the Roman bridge built between the late 1st century BC and the early 1st century AD. It originally had 13 arches; three survive, spanning about 36 metres. Excavations nearby revealed structures interpreted as public water points for Roman travellers.

Parish church of Sant'Antonio Abate

A 16th-century Catalan Gothic church with a Gothic portal, rose window, bell tower and a star-vaulted presbytery; inside are Gothic capitals and an 18th-century font.

Sanctuary of Santa Greca

Built in 1777 over an earlier church on the south-western edge of town, the church of Santa Greca (in Sardinian Sant'Arega) has a marble altar and pulpit from 1792 and a bell tower added in 1928. For most of the year it stands quiet and alone; during the feast it becomes the heart of town life.

Other sights

The cemetery holds the Aragonese-era sarcophagus of Violante Carroz. Out of town there's a second, single-arched bridge at Su Meriagu and a few traces of the Roman aqueduct that carried water to Cagliari.

Things to do in Decimomannu

The best time to experience Decimomannu is Santa Greca week, with processions, stalls and music. The rest of the year, walk to the Roman bridge along the river, cycle the Campidano plain or use the town as a base for trips to Monte Arcosu, the Cixerri valley and Cagliari. Thanks to its station, it's also a handy starting point for train trips to Iglesias. Discover the experiences offered by local operators below: excursions, tours and activities to book.

History

Traces of Neolithic and Nuragic settlements have been found here; while the station was being built in 1879, a necropolis with Punic coins came to light. Some historians place nearby the battle of 215 BC between the Romans and the Sardo-Punic forces of Ampsicora. In the Middle Ages Decimo was the seat of its own district within the Giudicato of Cagliari; not far away, in 1324, the Battle of Lucocisterna opened the way to the Aragonese conquest. From 1519 to 1839 it belonged to the barony of Monastir.

Food and shopping

Expect Campidano cooking: home-baked bread, malloreddus, ricotta ravioli, roasts, almond sweets and wines from the plain. During the Santa Greca feast, stalls sell nougat and traditional sweets.

Festivals and traditions

The feast of Santa Greca lasts about a week between late September and early October and is one of Sardinia's best-attended: the saint, a young Christian martyr, has been venerated for centuries and her relics were found in 1633. In the past the feast came with a big fair, with silver and jewellery stalls under the church porch.

Nearby

• Uta, with the Romanesque church of Santa Maria and Monte Arcosu.
• San Sperate, the open-air mural village.
• Assemini, the ceramics town.
• Cagliari, about 25 minutes away.

Getting there and when to go

Cagliari-Elmas airport is about 15 minutes by car, Cagliari port about 25. Decimomannu lies on the SS 130 and has a station on Sardinia's main railway line, where the branch to Iglesias also starts. Autumn is ideal for the Santa Greca feast; spring for walks and cycling.

FAQ

When is the Santa Greca feast?

Traditionally for about a week between late September and early October.

Where is the Roman bridge?

At Bingia Manna, over the Rio Mannu, next to the SS 130.

Is Decimomannu good for families?

Yes, especially during the feast, with stalls and shows.