Things to do in Samassi

Samassi is a farming town in the Medio Campidano, crossed by the Flumini Mannu river, about 40 km from Cagliari. It's known across Sardinia for its artichokes, its carnival with huge papier-mâché floats and the Romanesque church of San Geminiano, built on a hill that hides a rare Vandal-era necropolis. It's a great stop if you love folk festivals, country flavours and hidden gems.

What to see in Samassi

Church of San Geminiano

On the small hill of the old town stands the Romanesque church of San Geminiano, probably rebuilt in the 13th century over a Byzantine building, using volcanic stone from the Serrenti quarries and some reused marble pillars. Around it archaeologists found a 5th-century necropolis with vaulted chamber tombs, almost unique on the island and a sign of the Vandals' presence.

Parish church of the Beata Vergine di Monserrato

Built of tufa at the end of the 16th century, it's a fine example of the Campidano's Gothic-Aragonese style.

Other churches and the Oasi di Sant'Isidoro

Also worth a stop are the church of San Giuseppe Patriarca, from 1652, the church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, linked to a cult of Byzantine origin, and the green area of the Oasi di Sant'Isidoro, heart of the farmers' festival.

Archaeology

People have lived here since the Neolithic: prehistoric villages emerged at Palatziu and Palamuras, Mother Goddess idols at Sa Mandara (now in Cagliari's National Archaeological Museum), and at Stani the remains of a nuraghe with a copper dagger.

Things to do in Samassi

The best way to experience Samassi is to join its festivals and explore its countryside: bike rides past artichoke fields and vineyards, farm visits and walks through the centre among Campidano houses built of mud bricks, called ladiri. From here the archaeological sites and castles of the Campidano are easy to reach. Check out the experiences offered by local operators below to book yours.

History

After its prehistoric settlements, in Roman times Samassi was one of the main rural communities of the Campidano. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Giudicato of Cagliari; it passed to Pisa and in 1324 to Aragon, and in 1355 sent representatives to the first Sardinian parliament. In 1736 it formed a marquisate with Serrenti, and in 1839 it was freed from feudal rule. Locals still remember the 1898 flood, known as S'annu 'e s'unda, "the year of the wave".

Food and shopping

The star of the table is the violet artichoke, the town's main crop, cooked in countless ways. The fields also produce wheat, wine, tomatoes and vegetables. Try the carnival sweets and semolina bread.

Festivals and traditions

• Sant'Antonio abate (mid-January): bonfires and a procession that open the carnival season.
• Carnival (February–March): parades of allegorical papier-mâché floats several metres high, up to Shrove Tuesday.
• Holy Week: at Easter, the meeting of the Risen Christ and the Madonna in the square.
• Sant'Isidoro (May): parade of decorated carts and tractors.
• Santa Margherita (late July).
• San Geminiano (mid-September): sa festa manna, the patron saint's feast.
• Artichoke festival: food fair with tastings and traditional houses open to visitors.

Around Samassi

• Serrenti: the Monti Mannu viewpoint park.
• Sanluri: the medieval castle and the Sa Battalla area.
• Villasor: Siviller castle.
• Serramanna: the Santa Maria sanctuary and the Perda Fitta menhir.

Getting there and when to go

Cagliari's airport and port are about 40 minutes by car. Samassi has a station, Samassi-Serrenti, on the line to Cagliari and is linked by the SS 196 and SS 293. The liveliest time is January to March, with Sant'Antonio and carnival; spring is perfect for the countryside.

FAQ

When is the Samassi carnival?

In the days before Ash Wednesday, with the main parades up to Shrove Tuesday.

How long do you need for Samassi?

Half a day for the town and San Geminiano; a full day during the festivals.

Is Samassi by the sea?

No, it lies inland; the beaches of the Gulf of Cagliari are about 50 minutes away.