Things to do in Osini

Osini is a village of around 700 people at over 600 metres, in the heart of Ogliastra, beneath the long limestone wall of the Taccu di Osini. It gathers some of the most striking sights of the Tacchi: a legendary gorge, a village abandoned after a flood and one of Sardinia's best-preserved high-altitude Nuragic complexes. It is perfect for hikers, archaeology lovers and curious travellers.

What to see in Osini

Scala di San Giorgio

This natural monument is a narrow, steep gorge between tall limestone and dolomite walls, climbing to the Taccu plateau at almost 1,000 metres. Legend, recorded in a text from 1117, says Bishop San Giorgio of Suelli opened the passage through the rock by prayer; at the foot of the mountain stands a small country chapel dedicated to him.

Nuraghe Serbissi

On the plateau, at about 1,000 metres and a short walk away, is one of Ogliastra's most important nuraghi (Bronze Age stone towers), lived in from the Early to the Final Bronze Age. Built in terraces on a rocky spur and in excellent condition, the complex includes a multi-tower nuraghe, a village, a cave and, nearby, two giants' tombs and the Sanu and Orrottu nuraghi.

Osini Vecchio

The old village was destroyed by the flood of November 1951 and rebuilt about a kilometre away. Among ruined houses and silent lanes stands the old church of Santa Susanna, still in use: a haunting place that comes back to life every August for the saint's feast.

Art in the new village

The new village holds works by major Sardinian artists such as Maria Lai, Costantino Nivola and Pinuccio Sciola.

Things to do in Osini

The classic hike climbs the Scala di San Giorgio to the Taccu and continues to Nuraghe Serbissi, with views over much of Ogliastra. The karst plateau, with holm oaks and reforested areas, is great for trekking and mountain biking; the Tacchi cliffs attract climbers, and nearby you can visit caves and the Nuragic valley of Truculu. Discover the experiences offered by local operators below and choose your adventure.

History

The area was inhabited in the Neolithic and Nuragic periods and has yielded Roman remains. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Judicate of Cagliari; after 1258 it briefly passed to Arborea, in 1324 to the Aragonese, then to the County (later Marquisate) of Quirra until feudalism ended in 1839. In 1951 a disastrous flood forced residents to build the new village.

What to eat and buy

The Rio Pardu valleys are full of olive groves, gardens and vineyards: try Cannonau wine, olive oil and above all Osini's cherries, which have their own festival. Don't miss Ogliastra classics such as culurgionis, pasta parcels filled with potato and cheese.

Festivals and traditions

• Sant'Antonio Abate, 17 January.
• San Giorgio, late April, at the sanctuary in the gorge.
• Cherry festival, early June.
• Santa Susanna, in August, in the old village.

Nearby

• Ulassai, with the Su Marmuri cave and the Stazione dell'Arte devoted to Maria Lai.
• Gairo Vecchio, the other ghost village of the 1951 flood.
• Jerzu, the town of Cannonau.
• Ussassai and the Trenino Verde.
• The coast of Cardedu and Tortolì, for the sea.

Getting there and when to go

Osini is linked by mountain roads to nearby villages and the SS198. The nearest port is Arbatax, about 45 minutes away; the handiest airport is Cagliari, about two hours by car. Spring and autumn are ideal for hikes on the Taccu; early June brings the cherry festival and August the feast of Santa Susanna. In summer, walk in the cool hours and carry plenty of water.

FAQ

Is the Scala di San Giorgio difficult?

The path is steep but short; you need proper shoes and a basic level of fitness.

Can you visit Osini Vecchio?

Yes, the old village is a short distance from the current one; take care among the ruined buildings.

How long do I need for Osini?

A full day for the Scala di San Giorgio, Nuraghe Serbissi and Osini Vecchio.