Aritzo
Welcome to Aritzo: the Sardinian mountain town
Located in the Barbagia di Belvì, at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, Aritzo is a small town with a population of 1184, surrounded by the mountains of Gennargentu. Its strategic location makes it an ideal destination for summer and winter holidays, but its historical and artistic heritage and authenticity have also made it a very charming tourist destination.
Physical geography
Territory
Aritzo's territory is characterized by unspoiled and wild nature that makes it an irresistible destination for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. There are several hiking trails and via ferratas that allow visitors to admire the spectacle of Sardinian mountains and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Name origins
The name of the town is believed, by some sources, to derive from the chestnut prickles present in the area. Other hypotheses suggest a relationship with the Basque term "areitz" or "haritz," which means "oak" or "chestnut."
History
The area of Aritzo has a long history that has left evident traces of human presence since the Neolithic era. Several testimonies such as the tomb of the giants and some domus de janas are still visitable.
The Punic influence, and then that of the Crown of Aragon and its dominion over Sardinia, are visible in the artifacts found in Aritzo. In 1840, the town was redeemed from the last feudal lords to become a municipality administered by a mayor and a town council.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the town of Aritzo, granted in 1987 by the President of the Republic, is characterized by a chestnut prick and the gonfalon is a white and blue bandera.
Monuments and places of interest
Among the gems of the town of Aritzo, the parish church of San Michele Arcangelo is an unmissable work of art. It represents a true architectural jewel and houses works of particular value.
The former Spanish prisons from the 1600s, known as Sa Bovida, are the epitome of the maximum security of the building and testify to the passage of the Crown of Spain in Sardinia.
The Devilla house and the Arangino castle, in neo-gothic style, are two other architectural masterpieces that are worth a visit. The ethnographic museum is also very interesting, as it houses thousands of objects from the agro-silvo-pastoral tradition.
Society
Demographic evolution
The population of Aritzo has undergone a significant decrease in the last decades, although the municipality has launched development policies aimed at promoting tourism and attracting new residents.
Languages and dialects
The variant of the Sardinian language spoken in Aritzo is attributed to Limba de mesania. However, the majority of the population also speaks Italian.
Conclusions
Aritzo is a very interesting tourist destination for those who are looking for the authentic beauty of Sardinia. Here, unspoiled nature and the splendor of the Gennargentu mountains are combined with the artistic and cultural beauty of the town. Aritzo is a must-visit for anyone who wants to know and love Sardinia.
