Things to do in Oschiri
Things to do in Oschiri, Sardinia: the Santo Stefano rock altar, Nostra Signora di Castro, Lake Coghinas, Monte Limbara and famous panadas.
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Oschiri is a town of about 3,000 people halfway between Sassari and Olbia, on the border of Logudoro and Gallura, at the foot of the granite Limbara massif and overlooking the large Lake Coghinas. Its countryside hides one of Sardinia's most mysterious places, the Santo Stefano rock altar, and a medieval former cathedral surrounded by fields. Its food has a clear symbol: panadas. Ideal if you're after archaeology, lakeside nature and authentic flavours less than an hour from the coast.
What to see in Oschiri
Santo Stefano rock altar
Just outside town, a granite wall is carved with triangular and square niches and cup marks: scholars still debate its date and purpose. In the same area are domus de janas (prehistoric rock-cut tombs) and the little church of Santo Stefano.
Nostra Signora di Castro
About 5 km from town stands the Romanesque trachyte church of Nostra Signora di Castro, cathedral of a medieval diocese until the early 1500s. It's enclosed by cumbessias, small houses that host pilgrims during the festival.
The town
The centre, with paved lanes and low stone houses, has the 18th-century parish church of the Immacolata and the small Romanesque church of San Demetrio. Out in the countryside are the churches of Nostra Signora di Otti and San Leonardo.
Nuraghi and domus de janas
The area has dozens of nuraghi and around seventy domus de janas; the Monte Uri nuraghe is unusual for its square plan.
Things to do in Oschiri
Lake Coghinas is perfect for sport fishing, kayaking and lakeshore walks, while the slopes of Limbara and the Su Filigosu forest offer hiking and the chance to spot red deer, fallow deer and birds of prey. You can also plan an archaeology route linking the Santo Stefano altar, Castro and the domus de janas, on foot or by bike. Further down you'll find experiences from local operators: book yours.
History
Settled since the Neolithic, as the domus de janas show, and rich in nuraghi, the area was important in Roman times, when a fortified settlement stood near Castro. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Judicate of Torres and was the seat of the diocese of Castro from the 12th century to 1503. It then passed to the Doria and the Aragonese, within the duchy of Monte Acuto, until feudalism ended in 1839.
Food and shopping
The town's speciality is panadas, basket-shaped pastry pies filled with meat, Oschiri's pride. Also try the local beef, cheeses and the area's Vermentino wine.
Festivals and traditions
On the Sunday after Easter the feast of Nostra Signora di Castro is held, with traditional singing and dancing; in May San Leonardo and Nostra Signora di Otti are celebrated at their country churches. Around mid-August there's the panadas festival.
Nearby
- Monte Limbara, with woods and views over Gallura.
- Berchidda, the Vermentino village.
- Tula and the shores of Lake Coghinas.
- Ozieri, with its civic archaeological museum.
Getting there and when to go
Oschiri is served by the SS 729 Sassari–Olbia and the SS 199 and has a station on the Cagliari–Golfo Aranci railway. Olbia's airport and port are about 45 minutes by car, and the Olbia coast beaches are less than an hour away. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking; Easter for the Castro feast, August for panadas.
FAQ
How long do you need in Oschiri?
One day for Santo Stefano, Castro and the town; two if you add Limbara or the lake.
What are panadas?
Basket-shaped pastry pies filled with meat, Oschiri's signature dish.
Is Oschiri good for families?
Yes: lake and woodland walks and open-air archaeological sites are a hit with children too.
