Things to do in Ula Tirso

Ula Tirso is a small farming village of fewer than six hundred people in the Barigadu area, about 45 km from Oristano, gathered in a natural trachyte amphitheatre on the left bank of the Tirso, Sardinia's longest river. Here in the 1920s the Santa Chiara dam was built, creating Lake Omodeo. It's an ideal stop if you enjoy lakes, the history of electricity and village festivals with honest home cooking.

What to see in Ula Tirso

The Santa Chiara dam

Built in 1923, it is now a monument of industrial archaeology and no longer in use. By damming the Tirso it created Lake Omodeo, at the time the largest artificial reservoir in Europe. Downstream stands the hydroelectric power station: Ula Tirso is remembered as the first village on the island to use electricity.

The church of Sant'Andrea

The 17th-century parish church, dedicated to the patron saint, shows the Gothic-Aragonese style: bare trachyte, a large rose window and a pointed-arch doorway. Its bell tower, dated 1769, overlooks the Tirso valley.

The old centre

Among the stone houses you'll also find the churches of Santa Croce and Santa Chiara. Out in the countryside is the little Besela chapel, built in 1996 and dedicated to Sant'Isidoro.

Roman traces

On the left bank of the Tirso, at Orruinas and sos Contones, stood a pre-Roman and Roman village, where the largest Roman necropolis in the Barigadu was discovered.

Things to do in Ula Tirso

Lake Omodeo and the Tirso valley are perfect for walks, birdwatching and bike rides, with wide views over the countryside. From the village it's easy to plan trips to the trachyte villages of the Barigadu, prehistoric necropolises and the Roman baths of Fordongianus. Below you'll find the experiences offered by local operators: choose and book.

History

The area has yielded finds from prehistory to Roman times. The village, medieval in origin, belonged to the Giudicato of Arborea like the rest of the Barigadu and later followed the fortunes of Aragonese and Savoyard fiefs. Its old name was simply Ula; "Tirso" was added in the 19th century after the river. The 20th century reshaped the landscape with the dam and the lake, which flooded part of the valley.

What to eat and buy

The local pasta is sos cannisones, star of a summer food festival. Also try boiled mutton, local cheeses, pane cun gherdas (bread with pork cracklings), honey, local liqueurs and the new wine of late November.

Festivals and traditions

• Sant'Antonio Abate (mid-January): the bonfire, or tuva, with dancing, pane cun gherdas and wine; it marks the start of Carnival.
• Carnival: the local masks s'urtzu and sos bardianos.
• Holy Week: s'iscravamentu and the Good Friday night procession.
• Sant'Isidoro (late May): a country festival at Besela with boiled mutton.
• Santa Maria Maddalena (22 July): the main festival.
• Sant'Andrea (30 November): the patron's day, with new wine.

Nearby

• Busachi: the costume and linen museum, about 3 km away.
• Fordongianus: the Roman baths of Forum Traiani.
• Ardauli: the Mandras necropolis and the lakeside church of San Quirico.
• Nughedu Santa Vittoria: the Sas Arzolas de Goi necropolis.

Getting there and when to go

From Oristano it's about 50 minutes via Fordongianus and Busachi. The handiest airport is Cagliari-Elmas, about an hour and a half away; Alghero is about an hour and three quarters. The nearest ports are Cagliari, Porto Torres and Olbia. Spring and autumn are ideal for the lake; January and Easter for traditions.

Frequently asked questions

Is it Ula Tirso or Ulà Tirso?

The correct name is Ula Tirso, without an accent; "Ulà" is a common misspelling.

What is there to see in Ula Tirso?

The historic Santa Chiara dam, the church of Sant'Andrea and the views over Lake Omodeo and the Tirso valley.

Is Ula Tirso good for families?

Yes: it's peaceful, and the lake offers open spaces for outdoor walks.