Planargia and Montiferru · Provincia di Oristano

Things to do in Modolo

Things to do in Modolo, Sardinia's smallest municipality near Bosa: Sant'Andrea church, cherry orchards, Malvasia wine, festivals and tips.

Modolo, Sardegna — © Gianni Careddu · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Modolo is Sardinia's smallest municipality by area: fewer than 200 people in a valley wrapped by gentle, fertile hills in Planargia, about 4 km from Bosa. The landscape is all cherry orchards, centuries-old olive groves and Malvasia vineyards, with the sea just minutes away. It's the right place if you're after quiet, wine and countryside, and a peaceful base close to the Bosa coast.

What to see in Modolo

Church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo

The parish church dates back to the early Middle Ages and is linked to the Byzantine monks who brought Christianity to the area. Damaged by fire in the 19th century, it still holds 17th-century wooden statues and a crucifix. The village also has churches dedicated to the Madonna del Grappolo (Our Lady of the Grape Cluster), Sant'Isidoro and Santa Croce.

The valley and its ancient traces

Around the village, archaeologists have found domus de janas (rock-cut tombs, literally «fairy houses»), remains of nuraghi and a Roman villa. On the valley floor, though technically in neighbouring Suni, stands the Seneghe proto-nuraghe, with its inner corridor lined with niches.

Things to do in Modolo

Explore the Modolo valley on foot or by bike, among vines and orchards: in late spring the cherry trees are heavy with fruit, and autumn brings the grape harvest. It's the perfect setting for a Malvasia di Bosa tasting or a trip to Planargia's archaeological sites. Bosa is minutes away for canoeing on the Temo river or a day at the beach. Check out the experiences offered by local operators, listed just below.

History

The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic and the Nuragic age; the village itself may date from Punic times. Under Rome it was a stop on the western coastal road, recorded as Modulo Vallis, which gave the village its name. It belonged to the Giudicato (medieval Sardinian kingdom) of Torres, then to the Malaspina family and Arborea, and in the 15th century to the lordship of Planargia. After several feudal owners it became an independent municipality in 1839; since 2003 it has been in the province of Oristano.

Food and what to buy

Modolo lies within the Malvasia di Bosa DOC area, made in dry and sweet styles: it's the souvenir to bring home. Seasonal cherries and the oil from local olive groves are excellent too.

Festivals and traditions

Sant'Antonio Abate: mid-January, with a bonfire, tastings of wine and local food and the traditional zeppolata (fried doughnuts).
Sant'Andrea, the patron saint: celebrated in mid-May with shows in the square and in late November with the religious feast.

Nearby

Bosa, with the Sa Costa quarter, the Malaspina castle and the Temo river.
Suni and its archaeological park with the Nuraddeo nuraghe.
Tinnura and Flussio, villages of murals and baskets.
Bosa Marina, the nearest beach.

Getting there and when to go

It's a few minutes' drive from Bosa; from Macomer and the SS131 highway, follow the signs for Bosa. Alghero-Fertilia airport is about an hour away, Cagliari-Elmas about two hours. Spring and early summer are the loveliest, with blossom and cherries; September and October for the harvest.