Things to do in Sennori

Sennori is a town of around 7,000 people in the Romangia area, about 10 km from Sassari, spread like an amphitheatre over a limestone hill facing the Gulf of Asinara. From its viewpoints you can see from Stintino to Castelsardo, with Asinara island on the horizon. Surrounded by olive groves, orchards and vineyards, it was the first Sardinian town named a "città del vino" (wine town). It is ideal for wine, archaeology and traditions, minutes from the beaches of Platamona.

What to see in Sennori

The churches

The parish church of San Basilio Magno, the town's patron, dates back to the 14th century and was rebuilt in the 20th: its façade and bell tower can be seen from all over town. Santa Croce, from the 15th century, keeps a wooden altar from 1700; Santa Lucia is 18th-century. Out in the countryside stands San Giovanni Battista, heart of the town's biggest festival.

Domus de janas del Beneficio Parrocchiale

Carved into a limestone cliff and decorated in relief, it is considered one of the most interesting domus de janas on the island. Domus de janas, "fairy houses", are prehistoric tombs cut into the rock.

Serra Crabiles and the nuraghi

The Serra Crabiles necropolis combines domus de janas and dolmen-type tombs, with a stele on its façade. From the nuragic age there are nuraghi such as Badde Margherita and the complexes of Su Nuraghe and Badde Puttu, ringed by huts, plus the Oridda giants' tomb and sacred springs such as Funtana de su Anzu.

Palattu Ezzu

The "old palace" recalls the feudal era, when Sennori was at the heart of the barony of Romangia.

Things to do in Sennori

Sennori is the place for a day of wine and olive oil: visit a winery, taste the Moscato and stroll among the vines and olive trees of the Silis valley. Archaeology fans can follow a route linking domus de janas, nuraghi and sacred springs. In summer, the sea at Platamona and Marina di Sorso is about fifteen minutes away. Browse the tours, tastings and experiences offered by local operators just below.

History

The town may have begun as a Roman outpost: the name Romangia comes from Romania, the lands conquered by Rome. It is first recorded in 1082 and in 1294 joined the Republic of Sassari. Under the Aragonese it became a fief: from 1440 the Gambella family were barons of Romangia, and the story of Rosa Gambella inspired a novel by Enrico Costa. In 1796 the town joined the anti-feudal uprisings, and feudal rule ended in 1839.

What to eat and buy

The star product is Moscato di Sorso-Sennori, an intensely fragrant DOC sweet wine. The extra virgin olive oil, fruit from the Silis valley and artichokes are excellent too. Among local crafts, look for baskets woven from dwarf palm leaves.

Festivals and traditions

• San Giovanni Battista, the most beloved festival, known across Sardinia for its horse parade and costume groups from all over the island.
• San Biagio, now one of the best-known festivals in Romangia.
• Premio Romangia, in February, a prize for Sardinian literature.
• International folk festival, in July.

Nearby

• Sorso and Platamona beach, about 15 minutes away.
• Sassari, about 20 minutes away.
• Osilo, with the Malaspina castle.
• Castelsardo, a medieval seaside village, about half an hour away.

Getting there and when to go

Sennori is about 20 minutes from Sassari. The nearest airports are Alghero-Fertilia, about 45 minutes away, and Olbia, about an hour and a half; the nearest port is Porto Torres, about half an hour away. Summer combines beach and festivals; the grape harvest, from late summer into autumn, is perfect for wine lovers.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sennori by the sea?

No, it sits on a hill, but the beaches of Platamona and Marina di Sorso are about fifteen minutes away.

How long do I need for Sennori?

Half a day for the churches and domus de janas; a full day with a winery visit and the beach.