Things to do in Bulzi

Bulzi (Bultzi in Sardinian) is a small village of around 500 people set on the hills of Anglona, in north-west Sardinia, about 20 km from Castelsardo. It is best known for San Pietro delle Immagini, one of the island's finest Romanesque churches, standing alone among meadows and rocks. It suits travellers who love medieval art, rural landscapes and living traditions, and it pairs easily with a beach holiday on the Gulf of Asinara.

What to see in Bulzi

San Pietro delle Immagini

Also called San Pietro del Crocifisso, this 13th-century church is one of the best examples of Pisan Romanesque in Sardinia. Its two-tone façade with pale stone arches takes its popular name, "of the Images", from the relief carved in the lunette above the door. It once belonged to a monastery, of which little remains, and the countryside setting with hills behind makes it truly atmospheric.

Church of San Sebastiano

The patron saint's church in the village holds old furnishings brought from San Pietro, including a rare painted wooden Deposition group from the late 13th century, possibly made in Tuscany.

Funtana Manna and the old centre

Funtana Manna is a 19th-century fountain with four spouts and three basins: two for washing and one for watering animals. Around it, the small old centre keeps its farming-village houses and narrow lanes, best explored on foot.

Things to do in Bulzi

The rolling countryside is perfect for walks, bike rides and horseback trips past pastures, dry-stone walls and country chapels. Anglona is a land of ancient monasteries: from Bulzi you can build a Romanesque route through Sedini, Tergu and Castelsardo. Craft lovers will still find weaving, basketry and leatherwork traditions. Browse the experiences offered by local operators just below and choose how you want to discover Anglona.

History

People have lived here since the Lower Palaeolithic, and the area holds Nuragic and Roman traces. The village, once called Gulsei, appears in documents of the 1368 peace treaty. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Judicate of Torres and was linked to the Benedictine monks of Montecassino. It later passed to the Doria, the Malaspina and the Aragonese, and in the 18th century joined the Principality of Anglona until feudal rights were bought out in 1839.

What to eat and buy

Food here is the shepherds' cuisine of Anglona: sheep's cheese, meat, homemade bread and festive sweets. Good souvenirs are hand-woven rugs, woven baskets and items in leather or carved wood.

Festivals and traditions

• San Sebastiano, the patron saint, on 20 January.
• Old-style Carnival (Carrasciale antigu) and Holy Week rites.
• Sa die de su Rughefissu, the Day of the Crucifix, with s'ardia, a horse race around the village and San Pietro.
• Sant'Isidoro in August and Santa Lucia in September.

Traditional guitar singing (cantu a chiterra) is also deeply rooted.

Nearby

• Sedini, minutes away, with the Domus de Janas of La Rocca.
• Castelsardo, a seaside town with its castle and the Elephant Rock.
• Nostra Signora di Tergu, a Romanesque basilica in the countryside.
• Perfugas and Laerru, in the heart of Anglona.
• Casteldoria hot springs on the Coghinas river.

Getting there and when to go

The nearest airports are Alghero, about an hour's drive, and Olbia, about an hour and a half; the most convenient port is Porto Torres, about 45 minutes away. Sassari is around 50 minutes by car. Spring and autumn are best for countryside walks; in summer you can combine a visit with the beaches of Castelsardo and Valledoria, about 25 minutes away.

FAQ

How long do I need for Bulzi?

Half a day covers San Pietro delle Immagini and the village; add Sedini and Castelsardo for a full day.

Does Bulzi have a beach?

No, it is an inland hill village. The closest beaches are at Castelsardo and Valledoria, about 25 minutes by car.

Is Bulzi good for families?

Yes: it is quiet, distances are short and the countryside is great for easy walks with children.