Things to do in Vallermosa

Vallermosa is a small village in south-west Sardinia, between the Campidano and the Iglesiente, set in a valley at the foot of Monte Cuccurdoni Mannu, on the eastern edge of the Linas massif. Its name comes from the Spanish hermosa, "beautiful": a fertile valley ringed by green hills and springs. It's an ideal base if you love forests, Nuragic archaeology and authentic villages, about 45 km from Cagliari.

What to see in Vallermosa

The old centre

The historic quarters (Prazz'e cresia, Cruxi santa, s'Ecca manna) preserve Campidano-style houses built of raw clay bricks, with large decorated gateways.

Parish church of San Lucifero

In the centre of the village, it dates from the 17th-18th centuries and is dedicated to the patron, the bishop St Lucifer of Cagliari.

Santa Maria and the Roman baths

About 1 km from the village, the country church of Santa Maria stands next to the remains of a Roman bath complex from the 3rd-4th century AD.

Matzanni archaeological area

Hidden in the green hills is one of the most fascinating Nuragic sanctuaries in southern Sardinia: three well temples, the remains of a village of 13 huts, a long enclosure wall and the ruins of a Punic temple. A Nuragic bronze figurine found here is now in the National Archaeological Museum in Cagliari. On a hill near the village stands the nuraghe su Casteddu de Fanaris.

Things to do in Vallermosa

Vallermosa is a gateway to two great natural areas:

• Gutturu Mannu park ("the great gorge"), about 5 km away: a huge wooded canyon crossed by a stream, with trails, picnic areas and plenty of fallow deer and mouflon.
• Monte Linas: holm oak forests, streams, waterfalls and ancient granite, home to the Sardinian red deer and the golden eagle, with trails for walking, cycling or horse riding.

Hiking, mountain biking, archaeological walks at Matzanni and birdwatching are the best experiences here. Discover the activities offered by local operators just below.

History

The area was inhabited in the Nuragic age and later by Punic and Roman peoples, as Matzanni and the Santa Maria baths show. The present village, though, is young: it was founded in 1645 by Biagio Alagon, Marquis of Villasor, who brought in farmers and shepherd families from Aritzo and Desulo in the Barbagia. They used to spend the winter here with their flocks and ended up settling for good, bringing their customs and traditions with them. From 1745 it belonged to the marquisate of Villahermosa, later held by the Manca family, until feudalism was abolished in 1839.

Food and local products

Local cooking follows the farming and shepherding traditions of southern Sardinia: semolina bread, sheep's cheese and simple seasonal dishes. The Barbagia roots of many families still show in the customs of the village festivals.

Festivals and traditions

• San Lucifero: the patron saint's feast on 20 May.
• Santa Maria: 7-9 September, with a procession from the parish church to the country church and an evocative torchlight return.

Nearby

• Siliqua: Acquafredda castle on a volcanic hill, about 7 km away.
• Villacidro: the Sa Spendula waterfall and Monte Linas, about 15 km.
• Domusnovas: the San Giovanni cave, with a road running through it.
• Iglesias: historic centre and mines, about 30 km.

Getting there and when to go

The SS 293 road runs through the village; from Cagliari it's about 45 minutes by car, and ARST buses connect to Cagliari and Iglesias. The nearest airport is Cagliari-Elmas. Spring and autumn are perfect for hiking and nature; come in September for the feast of Santa Maria.

FAQ

How long do I need for Vallermosa?

Half a day for the village and Matzanni; a full day if you add a hike in Gutturu Mannu.

Is Vallermosa good for families?

Yes: the picnic areas in Gutturu Mannu park are perfect for a day outdoors with kids.

Where's the nearest sea?

The beaches of the south-west coast, such as Portixeddu, or the Gulf of Cagliari are about 45 minutes to an hour away by car.