Things to do in Dolianova

Dolianova is the main town of the Parteolla area, about 25 km from Cagliari, among hills covered in olive trees, some centuries old, and neat vineyards. Its symbol is the Romanesque cathedral of San Pantaleo, one of the most important medieval churches in southern Sardinia. It's the right place if you love Romanesque art, olive oil and wine, archaeology and costumed festivals, and a great base for exploring Cagliari's hinterland.

What to see in Dolianova

Cathedral of San Pantaleo

Built in three phases between the early 12th century and 1289, in finely carved sandstone, it's one of the grandest and best-preserved examples of Pisan Romanesque in Sardinia. It was the cathedral of the diocese of Dolia until 1503. Inside you'll find a 5th-6th-century immersion baptismal font, a trace of an early Christian place of worship, and the late-15th-century altarpiece of San Pantaleo. In summer the forecourt hosts shows.

Olive oil museum "Sa Mola de su Notariu"

Housed in the 17th-century Villa Boyl, it tells the story of olive oil in the Parteolla through tools, containers, lamps and millstones.

Old town and Villa de Villa

The town keeps traditional Campidano houses and several small churches, such as San Sebastiano, Santa Lucia and Santa Maria with its wooden sculptures. Villa de Villa, an early-19th-century manor restored by the town, hosts exhibitions and concerts.

Archaeology

Over 120 pre-Nuragic and Nuragic sites have been recorded here. Highlights include the nuraghe Sa Dom'e s'Orcu, the giants' tomb of Su Tiriaxiu, the large complex of Santu Juanni and the remains of the Roman baths of Sa Cora.

Things to do in Dolianova

Dolianova is all about the land: visit olive mills and wineries for oil and wine tastings, stroll through ancient olive groves, and hike the prettiest hill areas, such as San Giorgio-Sa Mitz'e sa Figu and Sa Colonia, in search of Nuragic sites. Country roads are great by bike too. You'll find the experiences offered by local operators just below.

History

In Roman times the Patulcenses Campani lived here, a people mentioned on the Tavola di Esterzili, a famous bronze inscription. The first records of Dolia date from 1089. In the Middle Ages the two villages of San Pantaleo and Sicci San Biagio belonged to the Giudicato (medieval kingdom) of Cagliari; after 1258 San Pantaleo became a bishops' fief and Sicci a barony. Freed from feudal rule in 1839, the two villages merged in 1905 to form Dolianova.

Food and local products

Dolianova is a small capital of extra-virgin olive oil and wine: typical wines include nuragus, nasco and moscato. The town is also known for high-quality sheep's and goat's cheeses. These are the things to take home.

Festivals and traditions

• San Pantaleo: the patron saint's feast, two weeks after Easter and in late July.
• San Giorgio: a country festival in early June.
• San Michele: a country festival in mid-July.
• Festival parteollese: the last two weeks of July.
• S'Attobiu de is Parigliantis: early September, a horseback show with costumed parades.
• Medieval festival: late September, on the San Pantaleo forecourt, with re-enactments.

Nearby

• Serdiana: Santa Maria di Sibiola and the wineries.
• Soleminis: the Monte Arrubiu pine forest.
• Burcei and the Sette Fratelli park: forests and hiking.
• Cagliari: museums, old town and Poetto beach.

Getting there and when to go

From Cagliari it's about 30 minutes by car on the SS 387, and the station is on the Cagliari-Isili railway. Cagliari-Elmas airport and the port of Cagliari are the closest gateways. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking, July and September for festivals, November for the new olive oil.

FAQ

How long do I need for Dolianova?

Half a day for San Pantaleo, the oil museum and the old town; a full day with an archaeological hike.

Is Dolianova good for families?

Yes: kids love the costumed festivals and the medieval fair.

Is Dolianova by the sea?

No, it's inland: Poetto beach in Cagliari is about 30-35 minutes by car.