Things to do in Villa Verde

Villa Verde is a small farming village in the Upper Marmilla, in the province of Oristano, set on the north-eastern slope of Monte Arci. Until 1954 it was called Bannari, and in Sardinian it is still Bàini. The village is tiny, but its land holds around twenty nuraghi (Sardinia's Bronze Age stone towers), springs and holm oak woods: the right place for anyone who loves walking in nature and discovering Nuragic archaeology away from the crowds.

What to see in Villa Verde

Brunk'e s'Omu Nuragic village

Hidden in the Mitza Margiani woods, this is the area's key site: a complex nuraghe surrounded by the huts of its village. The nearby spring supplied the ancient inhabitants with water, and a stretch of Roman road survives in the woods too.

More nuraghi and sacred wells

Around twenty nuraghi dot the territory, including Nurax'e Mau (San Mauro) with its village and several single towers such as Truttiris and Gergui, plus the Nuragic spring of Putzu 'e padenti.

Old village and churches

The village keeps its rural courtyard houses gathered around the parish church of the Beata Vergine Assunta; there is also the church of San Sebastiano. In the countryside, by the Santu Mauru spring, stands the little church of San Mauro.

Things to do in Villa Verde

Villa Verde is a gateway to the Monte Arci Nature Park: trails through holm oaks, cork oaks and Mediterranean scrub lead to springs, nuraghi and viewpoints. It is great country for hiking, mountain biking and wildlife watching, with red and fallow deer and birds of prey such as goshawks and sparrowhawks. Here and there obsidian, the volcanic glass worked since the Neolithic, glints on the mountain. Have a look at the experiences offered by local operators below to explore the park with a guide.

History

People came here from the Neolithic, when Monte Arci obsidian was gathered and worked. Villages and towers rose in the Nuragic age, while in Roman times a road crossed the area and a pottery kiln operated here, perhaps linked to the nearby town of Uselis. In the Middle Ages Bannari belonged to the Judicate of Arborea; it then passed to the Aragonese and to the marquisate of Quirra, until feudalism ended in 1839. The village took its current name in 1954.

Food and local products

The cooking is simple Marmilla fare: homemade bread, sheep's cheeses, ricotta, meats and garden vegetables. In the village, the Crobeddu house and the old olive press have been restored as cultural spaces that showcase local food products.

Festivals and traditions

• Early June: feast of Jesus the Good Shepherd in the woods, with traditional dishes.
• Ferragosto (15 August): feast of the patron, the Beata Vergine Assunta.
• Mid-September: San Mauro, with a procession to the country church.

Nearby

• Pau, the obsidian village, a few minutes away.
• Ales, with its cathedral and the birthplace of Antonio Gramsci.
• Usellus, with Santa Reparata and traces of Roman Uselis.
• Morgongiori and the Sa Scaba 'e Cresia cave, on the southern side of Monte Arci.

Getting there and when to go

Villa Verde is about 40 minutes by car from Oristano, reached via the SS131. The nearest airports are Cagliari-Elmas, about an hour and a quarter away, and Alghero; the main ferry ports are Cagliari and Olbia. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking in the park; in summer, head out early in the morning.

FAQ

How long do I need for Villa Verde?

Half a day is enough for the village and Brunk'e s'Omu; add Pau and Ales for a full day.

Why was it called Bannari?

The old name probably comes from the Latin balneum, “bath”, perhaps because of the many springs in the area.

Is Villa Verde good for families?

Yes, the woods and the Nuragic village make a fun outdoor adventure for children too.