Things to do in Uta

Uta is a village of about 9,000 people some 23 km from Cagliari, between the lower Campidano plain and the Cixerri valley. It's the gateway to Monte Arcosu, the largest WWF nature reserve in Italy and the kingdom of the Sardinian deer. Just south of the village stands Santa Maria, one of the island's finest Romanesque churches. It's ideal if you love wild nature, hiking and medieval art, close to the city.

What to see in Uta

Church of Santa Maria

Built in the 12th century by the Victorine monks of Marseille together with a monastery, in the countryside south of the village, it's an elegant example of Sardinian Romanesque: three naves with a timber roof, a reused Roman capital and holy-water stoup, and carved decorations on the facade. It's so central to local identity that it appears on the town's coat of arms.

Santa Lucia and other churches

The country church of Santa Lucia stands a few kilometres from Arcosu. In the village, Santa Giusta and San Nicola are also worth a look, and San Nicola hill offers a fine view over the town.

Archaeology

The Late Neolithic site of Su Niu de su Pilloni (the bird's nest) has circular structures, a large wall and menhirs. The area has more than twenty Nuragic sites. In 1849, on the slopes of Arcosu, eight Nuragic bronze figurines were found, including the famous «tribal chief», now in Cagliari's National Archaeological Museum.

The old centre

The centre keeps early-20th-century mud-brick houses built around courtyards in the Campidano style.

Things to do in Uta

The must-do experience is a hike in the Monte Arcosu WWF reserve, part of a vast forest of holm oak, cork oak and Mediterranean scrub: trails of varying difficulty lead through valleys and ridges, where you may spot Sardinian deer and fallow deer. If you want more, explore the nearby Gutturu Mannu forest, great by mountain bike too. On the way back, a stop at Santa Maria rounds off the day. Discover the experiences offered by local operators below: guided treks, nature walks and outdoor activities.

History

The name comes from the Latin uda, «damp», after the marshy land. The area has been settled since the Neolithic and was densely populated in the Nuragic age. Tradition says the martyrs Flaviana and Emerenziana lived here in Roman times; some of their relics are kept in the parish church. In the Middle Ages Uta belonged to the Giudicato of Cagliari, and Judge Torchitorio I gave its churches to the Victorine monks. It later passed to Pisa and Aragon, within the County of Quirra, and bought its freedom in 1839.

Food and shopping

Expect Campidano cooking: ricotta ravioli, malloreddus, fregola in broth, sa panada pie filled with meat and potatoes, roast lamb and suckling pig, grey mullet and eel. Sweets include amaretti, pardulas, pani 'e saba and pistoccus; wines include Monica, Nuragus, Vernaccia and Moscato.

Festivals and traditions

The feast of Santa Lucia, in late August, lasts three days at the country church and is the highlight of summer. In mid-December the village hosts a fair of local businesses and products.

Nearby

• Decimomannu, with its Roman bridge and Santa Greca feast.
• Assemini, the ceramics town.
• San Sperate, the open-air mural village.
• Saline Conti Vecchi and the Santa Gilla lagoon.

Getting there and when to go

Cagliari-Elmas airport is about 20 minutes by car, Cagliari port about 30. Uta lies off the SS 130; the nearest station is Villaspeciosa-Uta. Spring and autumn are best for Monte Arcosu; in summer, hike early in the morning.

FAQ

How do I visit Monte Arcosu?

The reserve is run by WWF and explored on foot along marked trails, also with guides: check opening arrangements in advance.

Is Uta good for families?

Yes: the easier Arcosu trails and the chance to see deer are a hit with children.

How long do I need for Uta?

A full day for Monte Arcosu and Santa Maria.