Marmilla and Sarcidano · Provincia del Medio Campidano

Things to do in Collinas

Things to do in Collinas, Sardinia: Santa Maria Angiargia, Roman baths, nuraghi, sweet wine, festivals, nativity scenes and travel tips.

Collinas, Sardegna — © Gianni Careddu · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Collinas is a village of about 750 people in the Marmilla, among gentle hills of holm oak, wheat fields and vineyards, about an hour's drive from Cagliari. In Sardinian it's still called Forru, its official name until 1863. It's a quiet, well-kept place known for its sweet wine, its nativity scenes and one of the most heartfelt country festivals in the area: ideal if you're looking for authentic traditions, archaeology and green walks.

What to see in Collinas

Santa Maria Angiargia and the Roman baths

About 3 km from the village, in a small valley of poplars, wild olives and mastic shrubs, stands the country church of Santa Maria Angiargia (or Bagnaria), which tradition dates to the 12th century and Benedictine monks. Nearby are the ruins of an ancient village and a Roman spa, plus the small well called Su Angiu (“the bath”), with steps leading down to the bottom.

Village churches

The church of San Rocco was born of a vow made in 1654: its bell dates from 1688, and the building was restored in 1997. Collinas is one of very few Sardinian villages devoted to this saint. The church of San Sebastiano was probably the first parish church; San Michele Arcangelo is also worth a look.

Nuraghi and giants' tombs

The area preserves several Nuragic complexes, including Nuraghe Concali, and the giants' tomb of Sedda sa Caudeba, a Bronze Age collective burial.

Giovanni Battista Tuveri Museum

Housed in the former village granary, the museum honours Giovanni Battista Tuveri, the jurist, philosopher and parliamentarian born in Collinas who, as mayor, proposed the change of name.

Things to do in Collinas

The hills around the village are perfect for walks and bike rides, especially towards the Santa Maria Angiargia valley. On the basalt plateau of Sa Corona Arrubia, shared with Lunamatrona, you can combine nature and archaeology, and Nuraghe Genna Maria in Villanovaforru is minutes away. Scroll down to discover the experiences offered by local operators.

History

Inhabited in pre-Nuragic, Nuragic and Roman times, in the Middle Ages the village belonged to the Judicate of Arborea, in the district of Marmilla. After 1410 it became part of the marquisate of Oristano and, after the battle of Macomer in 1478, passed to Aragon; it was then held by the Carroz, Centelles and Osorio families until feudalism ended in 1839. Cholera struck hard in 1855. In 1863 Forru became Collinas, at Tuveri's suggestion, to avoid postal mix-ups with nearby Villanovaforru.

Food and local products

The village's pride is binu druci de Forru, Collinas sweet wine, also offered at the festivals. On the table you'll find home-baked bread, cheese, fried treats, traditional sweets and, on special occasions, roast suckling pig.

Festivals and traditions

Late January (Sunday after the 21st): San Sebastiano, with a bonfire and offerings of bread, cheese, sweet wine and fritters.
Mid-May: Sant'Isidoro, with a procession, groups in costume, decorated horses and tractors, dancing in the square and visits to traditional houses with old crafts on show.
7–9 September: Santa Maria Angiargia, the main festival: the statue of the infant Mary is carried to the country church, and on the 8th there's lunch in the grove and dancing to accordion and launeddas (Sardinia's ancient triple reed pipe).
December: nativity scene competition, which has made Collinas the “village of cribs”.

Nearby

Villanovaforru, about 2 km away: Genna Maria nuraghe and museum.
Lunamatrona: Sa Corona Arrubia museum and the giants' tomb of Su Cuaddu 'e Nixias.
Sardara: thermal spa and the Nuragic sanctuary of Sant'Anastasia.
Barumini and UNESCO-listed Su Nuraxi.

Getting there and when to go

The nearest airport and port are in Cagliari, about 60 km away: take the SS131 to Sanluri, then the Marmilla's local roads. You'll need a car. Spring is gorgeous with the hills in flower; September brings the Santa Maria Angiargia festival, December the nativity scenes.

FAQ

Why was Collinas called Forru?

It was its historic name, still used in Sardinian. It was changed in 1863 to avoid confusion with Villanovaforru; the new name refers to the hills around the village.