Things to do in Sedini

Sedini (Séddini in the local Sassarese dialect) is a village of around 1,200 people in the heart of Anglona, north-west Sardinia, about 15 minutes from Castelsardo. It sits on a limestone plateau where the oldest houses lean against or are carved into the rock, and its main street holds one of the island's most striking rock-cut tombs. It is a perfect stop if you love archaeology, caves and medieval churches, just minutes from the sea of the Gulf of Asinara.

What to see in Sedini

Domus de Janas La Rocca

A huge limestone boulder at the edge of the valley, right on the main street, contains an underground tomb from the 4th–3rd millennium BC with several chambers. Domus de janas ("fairy houses") are the tombs carved into rock by Neolithic communities. This one stayed in use for thousands of years: a jail in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, then a home, and today the ethnographic museum of Anglona traditions.

Church of Sant'Andrea

The parish church of the patron saint dates from the early 16th century, mixing late Gothic and Renaissance forms. Inside is a 16th-century copy of Raphael's Transfiguration.

Churches of the Rio Silanis valley

This valley of springs, gorges and old mills holds the ruins of San Nicola di Silanis, a Romanesque church, and other country chapels. On a hilltop stands San Pancrazio di Nursi, made from the surviving room of a 12th-century monastery.

Nuraghe Lu Padru and the caves

The Lu Padru nuraghe, a Bronze Age stone tower, keeps its inner chamber intact, with hut remains around it. The area also has prehistoric caves such as Li Conchi and the Fossa de la Loriga, with halls about ten metres high and stalactites and stalagmites.

Things to do in Sedini

Stroll through the old centre's stairways and rock passages, then head down to the Silanis valley for a hike among medieval churches and springs. The hills are great for trekking, cycling and horse riding, a local tradition even shown on the village coat of arms. The caves appeal to anyone keen on caving with expert guides. Just below you'll find the experiences offered by local operators: pick yours and set off to discover Anglona.

History

The many caves drew people here in prehistoric times, and the Nuragic civilisation spread in the Bronze Age. In the Middle Ages Sedini belonged to the Judicate of Torres, and Benedictine churches and monasteries flourished. After 1259 it passed to the Doria and Malaspina families, then to the Aragonese; in the 18th century it joined the Principality of Anglona until feudalism ended in 1839.

What to eat and buy

Anglona is fertile land: in Sedini you can taste local meat, cheese, honey and wine, along with traditional breads and festive sweets. Products from local farms make good souvenirs.

Festivals and traditions

The main festival honours the patron Sant'Andrea at the end of November. Through the year the village follows Anglona's religious calendar, with processions and celebrations at the country churches.

Nearby

• Bulzi, minutes away, with the Romanesque church of San Pietro delle Immagini.
• Castelsardo and the Elephant Rock, a wind-carved boulder by the road.
• Nostra Signora di Tergu, an 11th–12th-century Romanesque basilica.
• Perfugas and Laerru, in inland Anglona.
• Valledoria and its beaches on the Gulf of Asinara.

Getting there and when to go

Sedini is about 50 km from Sassari. The nearest airports are Alghero, about an hour's drive, and Olbia, about an hour and a half; the handiest port is Porto Torres, about 40 minutes away. Spring and autumn are ideal for hikes and caves; in summer the village is a quiet base about 15–20 minutes from the beaches of Castelsardo and Valledoria.

FAQ

How long do I need for Sedini?

A couple of hours cover La Rocca and the centre; add the Silanis valley and plan half a day.

Can you go inside the Domus de Janas?

Yes, as it houses the ethnographic museum: check opening days in advance.

Is Sedini near the sea?

The village is inland, but the beaches of Castelsardo and Valledoria are about 15–20 minutes by car.