Things to do in Siligo

Siligo is a village of about 700 people in the Meilogu, around 30 km from Sassari, sitting at 400 metres among hills and ancient volcanic craters. It is the birthplace of the singer Maria Carta, who carried Sardinian music around the world, and of the writer Gavino Ledda, author of Padre Padrone. It's also a land of Byzantine and Romanesque churches, a Nuragic water sanctuary and an astronomical observatory. Ideal if you're looking for culture, archaeology and views in a small, authentic village.

What to see in Siligo

Nostra Signora di Mesumundu

The most striking monument is Santa Maria di Bubalis, known as Nostra Signora di Mesumundu: a domed church built in the late 6th century on the remains of a 2nd-century AD Roman bath house, later altered by Benedictine monks from Montecassino after 1065. It stands in the Mesumundu archaeological park.

Monte Santu and the church of Sant'Elia

Monte Santu, 733 metres high, has a distinctive flat-topped shape. On the summit stands the church of Saints Elijah and Enoch, also entrusted to the Benedictines in the 11th century. From the top the view sweeps across the whole Meilogu.

Monte Sant'Antonio Nuragic sanctuary

On the Monte Sant'Antonio plateau lies the Nuragic complex also called Cherchizza, with a sacred well, a small temple, an enclosure and a village linked to a water cult: Siligo's most important archaeological site. The area holds many more nuraghi, such as Santu Ortolu with its spiral staircase.

Maria Carta Museum and old town

The Maria Carta Museum, run by the foundation of the same name, tells the life and career of the singer, poet and actress (1934–1994). In the village you'll find the parish church of Santa Vittoria, founded in the late 1400s, and the Oratory of Santa Croce. You can also recognise places from the novel and film Padre Padrone, winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes.

Things to do in Siligo

The extinct craters of the Meilogu have been a natural monument since 1994: trails such as Montiju Tundu, Badde Ortolu and Sas Baddes offer views over terraced valleys, on foot or by mountain bike. At night you can look at the sky: there's an astronomical observatory at Coas and a planetarium in Piazza Maria Carta. Scroll down to find the experiences offered by local operators, from hikes to guided tours.

History

The area was inhabited in Nuragic and Roman times; between the 5th and 7th centuries a rural village stood at Mesumundu. In the Middle Ages Siligo belonged to the Meilogu district of the Judicate of Torres; in 1259 it passed to the Doria family and around 1350 to the Crown of Aragon. In 1629 it became part of the county of Montesanto, held by the Alagon family, and was freed in 1839. In the 1600s its population dropped sharply, possibly because of plague.

What to eat and buy

The food is the farming and shepherding cuisine of the Meilogu, based on sheep's cheese, meat and sausage. In December the sausage and new wine festival is the best chance to taste local produce.

Festivals and traditions

• Holy Week, with processions and the oak cross kept in the Oratory of Santa Croce.
• San Vincenzo Ferrer, in late August, with a procession to the country church.
• Sausage and new wine festival, in December.

Nearby

• Bessude and Banari, with Gothic and Romanesque churches.
• Ardara, with the church of Santa Maria del Regno.
• Bonnanaro and the Monte Arana sanctuary.
• Nuraghe Santu Antine in Torralba.

Getting there and when to go

Siligo is a few kilometres from the SS 131 Carlo Felice highway. The nearest airport is Alghero-Fertilia, about 45 minutes by car, and the nearest port is Porto Torres. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking the craters, and summer nights are perfect for stargazing.

FAQ

Where is the Maria Carta museum?

In Siligo, the village where the singer was born and grew up.

How long do you need for Siligo?

One day for Mesumundu, Monte Santu, the museum and the Nuragic sanctuary.

Is Siligo good for children?

Yes: the planetarium, the observatory and the hill walks are big hits with kids.