Things to do in Muros

Muros is a small village in the Coros area, less than 15 km from Sassari, built on a hill at the foot of Monte Canechervu, between the Monte Muros park and the Campomela plain. It has around 800 inhabitants, yet its land holds a surprise: some of the oldest evidence of human presence in Sardinia. With limestone cliffs, oak woods and the Rio Mascari stream, it is a great choice for lovers of archaeology, nature close to the city and villages off the beaten track.

What to see in Muros

The village and parish church

In the centre stands the church of Saints Gavino, Proto and Gianuario, built between the 16th and 17th centuries, with an altarpiece dedicated to these three martyrs of Porto Torres. Around the village you will find Aragonese and feudal-era buildings, late 19th-century houses and the 19th-century public fountain. An old bridge over the Rio Bunnari is still walkable, next to the ruins of a tannery once run by Franciscan friars.

Rocca Ruja and the Grotta dell'Inferno

Rocca Ruja is a rock-cut tomb from around 1300 BC with a carved façade, halfway between a domus de janas (rock-cut tomb) and a giants' tomb. In the Grotta dell'Inferno, traces of people from the Early Neolithic, around 6000 BC, have been found, and an 11 cm female figurine from this area, among Sardinia's oldest artworks, is now in the Sanna Museum in Sassari.

Nuraghi and tombs

The nuraghi of Turricula and Santu Giorzi face each other; Turricula was also used for worship in Punic and Roman times. There is also the giants' tomb of Monte Simeone, five domus de janas on Monte Terras and the ruins of San Leonardo church, on the site of the lost village of Irbosa.

Things to do in Muros

Rock walls and woodland make this great hiking country: downy oaks at Rocca Ruja, oaks on Monte Tudurighe with the sa Crabola wood, home to a strawberry tree around 12 metres tall, holm oaks at Badde Olia and cork oaks at Pentumas. In spring, broom paints the slopes yellow. Monte Muros park is ideal for a family stroll, while along the SS131 highway the chimneys of the old Scala di Giocca cement works recall the area's industrial past. Browse the hikes and activities offered by local operators just below.

History

After a long prehistory, three villages stood here in the Middle Ages: Muros, Irbosa and one around the vanished church of San Giorgio. The area belonged to the Giudicato of Torres, one of Sardinia's medieval kingdoms; after 1259 it passed to the Doria and Malaspina families, then to the Aragonese, who gave it as a fief to the Martinez family, later marquises of Montemuros. Freed from feudal rule in 1839, it was merged with Cargeghe in 1928 and became independent again in 1950.

What to eat and buy

Muros is known for its festive breads and sweets: su cozolu 'e s'ou, a bread decorated with egg, Easter amaretti and formagelle (cheese pastries), and papassinos (biscuits with raisins and nuts) and tiriccas for All Saints' Day.

Festivals and traditions

Traditions follow the religious calendar and the patron saints Gavino, Proto and Gianuario. The village keeps its traditional costumes and its northern Logudorese Sardinian.

Nearby

• Sassari, about 20 minutes away, where the Sanna Museum displays finds from Muros.
• Basilica of Saccargia at Codrongianos, a Romanesque gem, about 15 minutes away.
• Tissi, with domus de janas and Cagnulari wine.

Getting there and when to go

Muros lies on the SS131 Carlo Felice highway, a short drive from Sassari. The nearest airport is Alghero-Fertilia, about 40 minutes away; the nearest port is Porto Torres, about half an hour. There is no sea here. Spring and autumn are best for walking in the woods.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need for Muros?

Half a day for the village and a short hike; a full day if you also want to reach Rocca Ruja and the nuraghi at an easy pace.

Is Muros good for families?

Yes: Monte Muros park and the easier trails suit children; for the more remote sites a guide is a good idea.