Things to do in Villasalto

Villasalto is a village of around 900 people in the Gerrei, south-east Sardinia, set at about 500 metres on a plateau between the Flumendosa valley and Monte Genis. It's a place for lovers of industrial heritage, woodland and big views: on a clear day you can see all the way to the Gennargentu and the limestone «tacchi» of Ogliastra. Perfect for hikers and mining-history buffs.

What to see in Villasalto

Su Suergiu mine

This is the village's landmark. For about a century, from 1880 to 1987, antimony was mined and smelted here, and during the two World Wars the foundry produced most of Italy's output. The mining village is part of Sardinia's Geomining Park. The elegant Art Nouveau directors' building now houses an archaeological and mining museum with minerals, tools and stories of miners' lives, surrounded by the foundry, workshops and village buildings.

Old town and churches

The historic core has stone-paved lanes and houses built from local stone. The parish church of San Michele Arcangelo holds 17th-century paintings and wooden statues. The sanctuary of Santa Barbara, patron saint of miners, has ancient origins and took its current form in the mid-1800s. A few kilometres out stands the country chapel of San Cristoforo.

Archaeology

Look out for the Serra Medau nuraghe (a Bronze Age stone tower) on a spur above where the Flumendosa meets the S'Acqua Callenti stream, the Corrolia nuraghe and, on Monte Genis, Sa Dom'e sa nì («the snow house»), later used to store ice.

Things to do in Villasalto

Monte Genis, part of the Sette Fratelli – Monte Genis park, offers ancient holm oaks, granite spires and mouflon, with sweeping views from the top. Monte Arrubiu is home to Sardinian red deer, while Monte Lora and the S'Acqua Callenti valleys are great for walking. The local caves shelter the cave salamander, a rare little amphibian. Pair a day outdoors with a visit to the mine to really get this corner of the Gerrei. Scroll down to find experiences run by local operators, ready to book.

History

The area was settled in Nuragic times, then by Punic peoples and Romans. In the Middle Ages Villasalto belonged to the Gerrei district of the Judicate of Cagliari, then passed to Pisa and to the Crown of Aragon. In 1681 it became a county held by the Zatrillas family, and in 1839 it was redeemed when feudalism was abolished. The Su Suergiu mine fuelled growth in the 19th and 20th centuries; its closure in the 1980s led to depopulation.

Food and shopping

Food here is shepherd's fare: mutton and goat, pecorino and fresh curd cheese. Fruit, vegetables and pulses come from the gardens along the Flumendosa.

Festivals and traditions

• Mid-January: bonfires in the square for Sant'Antonio and San Sebastiano.
• Ascension Day: Su Sinnadroxiu, a country feast tied to livestock branding, with fresh cheese and mutton.
• Early June: Santa Barbara, the biggest festival, with processions, singing and dancing.
• Mid-August: San Cristoforo, with a procession to the country chapel and a blessing of drivers.
• Late September: San Michele Arcangelo.
• End of October: Is Animeddas, Sardinia's own Halloween, when children go door to door for sweets.

Nearby

• Armungia: a nuraghe in the main square and a museum network; birthplace of Emilio Lussu.
• Ballao: the Flumendosa river and the Funtana Coberta sacred well.
• Silius: the ruins of Sassai castle.

Getting there and when to go

The nearest airport and port are in Cagliari, about an hour and a quarter by car, heading up into the Gerrei via Dolianova and San Nicolò Gerrei. Spring and autumn are best for hiking; early June brings the Santa Barbara festival.

FAQ

How long do I need in Villasalto?

Half a day for the village and the mine; a full day if you add a hike on Monte Genis.

Can you visit the Su Suergiu mine?

Yes, the museum in the directors' building tells the story of antimony mining; check opening times before you go.

Is Villasalto good for families?

Yes: kids love the mine, and the woods offer easy walks with a chance of spotting deer and mouflon.