Things to do in Curcuris
Things to do in Curcuris, Marmilla: the 1380 Gothic Assunta church, murals, nuraghi, walks towards Monte Arci and the village feasts.
We are gathering the first experiences for this area. Check back soon, or tell us about an operator you know.
Curcuris is a tiny Marmilla village of about three hundred people, set among gentle hills at the foot of the Monte Arci park, around 45 km from Oristano and 75 km from Cagliari. Its strengths are a stone village decorated with murals, a 14th-century Gothic chapel on a scenic hill and complete peace and quiet. It's a perfect stop if you're touring the Marmilla by car or bike, enjoy walking and want to see everyday life in a small Sardinian village.
What to see in Curcuris
The old village and murals
The stone houses are decorated with murals by Sardinian artists, which make a stroll through the streets a pleasure.
The parish church of San Sebastiano
Dating from the 16th century, it keeps late Gothic features, reworked over time. The high altar holds statues of the Madonna del Rosario and the patron saint.
The church of the Beata Vergine Assunta
The village's jewel: a Gothic country church built in 1380 on the hill of Santa Maria, with a pointed portal, its original bell gable and an enclosure closed by a large wooden gate. It also appears on the municipal coat of arms.
The nuraghi
The countryside holds the Bronze Age nuraghi (stone towers) of Perda 'e Mogoru and Soru.
Things to do in Curcuris
From the Santa Maria hill, a walk leads towards the slopes of Monte Arci among ancient oaks, holm oaks and mastic shrubs, with lovely views over the Marmilla. The hills crossed by the sa Murta stream, a mix of woods and fields, are great for walking and cycling on quiet roads. Discover the experiences offered by local operators, listed just below.
History
The area was inhabited in Nuragic and Roman times; the present village grew up in the Middle Ages, when it belonged to the Giudicato of Arborea. After 1420 it passed to the Marquisate of Oristano and, from 1478, it was a fief of the Carroz, then the Centelles, Borgia, Català and Osorio families, until it was bought back in 1839. In 1927 it became part of Ales and only regained its independence in 1979.
Food and local products
The local economy has always revolved around cereals and livestock, so expect sheep's cheese and home-baked bread. A few kilometres away, in Morgongiori, you can taste lorighittas, the ring-shaped pasta typical of the upper Marmilla.
Festivals and traditions
- 20 January: San Sebastiano, the patron saint, with a bonfire in the square and an old ritual wishing for a good harvest.
- Early summer: the sheep-shearing festival, ending with a big feast.
- 15 August: the feast of the Assunta, the village's most heartfelt.
Nearby
- Ales: the cathedral and the Museum of Traditional Toys.
- Morgongiori: Sa Scala 'e Cresia and loom-woven rugs.
- Usellus: the church of Santa Reparata.
- Monte Arci park: trails and obsidian.
Getting there and when to go
Cagliari-Elmas airport is about an hour and a quarter away: take the SS131, exit towards Uras and continue towards Ales. From Oristano it's about 45 minutes. Spring and autumn are best for walking; in mid-August the village comes alive for the Assunta feast.
FAQ
How long do I need for Curcuris?
An hour or two is enough for the village and the Assunta church; combine it with Ales and Morgongiori for a full day.
Is Curcuris good for families?
Yes, it's very quiet and the walk up Santa Maria hill is easy for everyone.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring, when the hills are green, or mid-August to join in the village feast.
