Things to do in Cargeghe
Things to do in Cargeghe, Sardinia: Santa Maria 'e Contra, the Roman road of Sos Baiolos, rock tombs, the Biblioteca di Sardegna and Holy Week rites.
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Cargeghe is a small village of about 600 people in Logudoro, about 15 km from Sassari, set halfway up the slopes of Pizzo 'e Adde above the Campomela plain. Despite its size, it has a Romanesque country church, decorated rock tombs and a Roman road lit up at night. It is also home to the Biblioteca di Sardegna, the first library entirely devoted to Sardinian books.
What to see in Cargeghe
The church of Santi Quirico e Giulitta
The late-Gothic parish church was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Inside are fine paintings, including a Holy Family attributed to Baccio Gorini from the late 16th century. Next door, the 17th-century parish house keeps 18th-century paintings and stucco work.
The Santa Croce oratory
The little oratory of Santa Rughe holds a wooden altarpiece and a crucifix with jointed arms, used in the Good Friday rite.
Santa Maria 'e Contra
About 1 km from the village, among fields, olive groves and orchards, stands this small Romanesque church of limestone blocks, with a single nave and a bell gable, probably from the second half of the 12th century.
Archaeology
The area has the domus de janas (rock-cut tombs) of Pescialzu and, at the foot of Pedras Serradas, a necropolis with a tomb decorated with a double spiral. On the edge of the village runs the Roman road of Sos Baiolos, from the 2nd century BC, open to visitors and lit in the evening; remains of a nuraghe (Bronze Age stone tower) even appear in the old town.
Things to do in Cargeghe
You can explore the village on foot in a few hours, from the centre to the Roman road and on to Santa Maria 'e Contra. The limestone ridges of Giorrè and the Campomela plain are good for walks and bike rides, and the Biblioteca di Sardegna is a treat for anyone curious about Sardinian culture. Discover the experiences offered by local operators just below.
History
Nuraghi and rock tombs show prehistoric settlement, and the Sos Baiolos road the Roman age. In the Middle Ages the village, recorded in the Condaghe of San Pietro di Silki, belonged to the Giudicato (medieval kingdom) of Torres; it then passed through several feudal families until it was bought back in 1838. In 1977 the Taviani brothers shot Padre Padrone here, winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes.
Food and shopping
Olive groves and orchards provide oil and fruit; the village name is often read as “place rich in cherry trees”. On the table you will find Logudoro flavours: bread, sheep's cheese and almond sweets.
Festivals and traditions
The most intense time of year is Holy Week: on Good Friday, in the Santa Croce oratory, the rite of s'Iscravamentu, the deposition of Christ from the cross, takes place.
Nearby
- Codrongianos: the basilica of Santissima Trinità di Saccargia.
- Ossi: the Mesu 'e Montes necropolis.
- Muros and Florinas: small Logudoro villages.
- Sassari: the old town and the Sanna Museum.
Getting there and when to go
Cargeghe is a few minutes from the SS 131 highway. Alghero-Fertilia airport is about 35 minutes by car, Olbia about an hour and a quarter; the nearest port is Porto Torres. Spring is ideal for the countryside and for Holy Week.
FAQ
How much time do I need for Cargeghe?
Half a day is enough; add Saccargia or Ossi for a full day.
Is Cargeghe good for families?
Yes: the Roman road and the country church are easy to reach.
What is the Biblioteca di Sardegna?
The first library entirely devoted to Sardinian books, alongside the Fototeca di Sardegna photo archive.
