Things to do in Chiaramonti

Chiaramonti is an Anglona village of around 1,500 people, built on a hill between two valleys and crowned by the remains of the Doria castle. Tradition says it was founded by survivors of the plagues that struck the villages of Orria Manna and Orria Pizzinna. Come for the view from the castle, the country church of Santa Giusta with its spring, and a landscape packed with nuraghi. It is ideal for lovers of archaeology, traditions and handwoven textiles.

What to see in Chiaramonti

The Doria castle

In the upper village you can still see the outline of the square tower and part of the fortified complex, turned into a church in Aragonese times.

Village churches

In the old town, the 16th-century Carmelo church has a wooden high altar and an 18th-century painting. The parish church of San Matteo dates from 1888.

Santa Giusta

This country church, recorded as early as 1205, is also called de s'Abba, "of the water": the presbytery sits over a perennial spring and water flows under the floor and out of the building. Believed to have healing powers, it is filled with votive offerings. The marble altar dates from 1895, and four skulls set into a wall are linked to the legend of Princess Giusta's treasure. Nearby stand the cumbessias, small pilgrims' lodgings.

Archaeological sites

There are more than a hundred nuraghi here, including the fortress of Punta 'e s'Arroccu, also called Elighia, and the Ruiu nuraghe. You will also find around twenty domus de janas (rock-cut tombs), with the Su Murrone necropolis and the Peruchi tombs, giants' tombs and megalithic walls of the Monte Claro culture, such as Punta Corrales.

Things to do in Chiaramonti

Chiaramonti is a perfect base for exploring Anglona on foot or by bike, through hills, valleys and farmland dotted with nuraghi. With a guide you can reach the more hidden nuragic fortresses and necropolises. It is also worth visiting a weaving workshop to watch a rug take shape on the loom. Browse the tours and experiences offered by local operators just below.

History

Inhabited in pre-nuragic, nuragic and Roman times, in the Middle Ages the area belonged to the Giudicato of Torres, one of Sardinia's medieval kingdoms. After 1259 it passed to the Doria family, who built the castle. In 1348 the Aragonese drove them out, but two years later the village was returned to them; in 1357 Brancaleone Doria, husband of Eleonora of Arborea, brought it into the Giudicato of Arborea. In 1448 it passed for good to the Aragonese and became a fief, later part of the principality of Anglona. Feudal rule ended in 1839.

What to eat and buy

Chiaramonti is known for embroidery and above all for a pibiones rugs, meaning "grain" weave: Sardinian wool on a cotton warp, woven on horizontal looms, with bright colours and geometric patterns.

Festivals and traditions

• Santa Giusta, a country festival drawing people from all over Anglona, with gosos, sacred songs in Sardinian.
• San Matteo, the patron saint, in mid-September, with religious rites, music, folk dancing and food events.

Nearby

• Martis, with San Pantaleo church and the Triulintas waterfall.
• Perfugas, with the Predio Canopoli sacred well and the archaeological museum.
• Nulvi, town of the giant candlesticks.
• Basilica of Saccargia, a Romanesque gem about half an hour away.

Getting there and when to go

Chiaramonti is about 40 minutes by car from Sassari. The nearest airports are Alghero-Fertilia and Olbia, both about an hour away or a little more; the nearest ports are Porto Torres and Olbia. The closest sea is at Castelsardo and Valledoria, about 40 minutes away. Spring and early autumn are ideal for hiking, and mid-September brings the patron saint's festival.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need for Chiaramonti?

Half a day for the castle, the village and Santa Giusta; a full day if you add the nuragic sites.

Is Chiaramonti good for families?

Yes: children enjoy the castle and Santa Giusta with its legend; for the remote nuraghi, bring comfortable shoes.