Asuni
Asuni: a small oasis in the heart of Sardinia
Asuni is a charming municipality with only 320 inhabitants located in the province of Oristano, in Sardinia. The small town is situated on a trachytic plateau at 233 meters above sea level, nestled between the valleys of the Rio Araxisi and its tributaries. Bordering to the north with the Mandrolisai and to the east with the Sarcidano, the territory of Asuni represents the closure of the Alta Marmilla.
Territory
Among the natural wonders of the territory are the Marmo rocks, where the most important ones from a landscape point of view are the Asuni pink marble and the gray cipollino marble. Asuni is the only Sardinian territory where these types of marble can be found. The trachyte, used in the construction of the inhabited center, is also one of the important rocks of Asuni.
The territory of Asuni is 40% wooded, characterized by different floristic associations, including the holm oak forest and the Mediterranean scrubland with lentisk and wild olive. Along the marble cliffs along the valleys, the endemism Brassica insularis can be admired. There are also some areas dedicated to reforestation for the previous paper industry of Arbatax (Pinus radiata) and for the lumber industry (Eucalyptus sp.).
Fauna
The territory of Asuni is characterized by an interesting wildlife. Among the most common species are wild boars, foxes, hares, and wild rabbits. However, there are also rarer species such as the buzzard, the kestrel, the imperial crow and, on Mount Ualla, the golden eagle, which has repopulated the area after about ten years.
Moreover, another endemism of the municipality is the geotritone (Speleomantes imperialis), which can be observed in the caves of the karst area of Monte Ualla and Castel Medusa.
History
The Asuni area was already inhabited during the Neolithic period, thanks to the presence of some Nuraghe. In the medieval period, the territory was part of the Giudicato di Arborea and the curatoria of Parte Valenza. With the fall of the giudicato in 1410, Asuni passed under Aragonese dominion and became a fief granted to the Nin counts of Castillo. In 1749, Fernando Marghens-Nin, count of Castillo, sold the fief to the Milanese nobles Ghilini, who also acquired the title of counts of Asuni. In 1753, the Ghilini sold the title to the Marseille merchant Guglielmo Tauffani. In 1759, the town formed a county together with Nureci.
Living in Asuni
Asuni is a small and peaceful oasis in Sardinia, offering its inhabitants a relaxing life experience with a strong connection to nature. Although it is an isolated and sparsely populated place, the hospitality and friendliness of its residents make it a place where you feel immediately at ease.
Customs and traditions
One of the most important events on the Asuni calendar is the patronal feast of San Gottardo, which is held on May 4th. In honor of the saint, a procession takes place in which a group of men accompanied by the sound of launeddas carry the statue of San Gottardo on their shoulders around the town.
During the Christmas holidays, the Living Nativity scene is organized, where the residents of the town dress up in period costumes and reproduce situations of daily life from past centuries.
Food and Wine
Asuni is located in the heart of Sardinia, a region famous for its traditional cuisine. The cuisine of the municipality is mainly focused on pork, prepared in various ways. One of the typical dishes of Asuni is the roasted suckling pig, accompanied by baked potatoes and wild fennel salad.
Cheese production is another traditional activity of the municipality. The pecorino cheese of Asuni is particularly famous in the area.
Sports activities
Thanks to the breathtaking landscapes, Asuni offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking. The area of Monte Ualla is one of the most suggestive for trekking enthusiasts. The territory is also renowned for hunting, birdwatching and sport fishing.
Conclusions
Asuni is a small pearl set in the wonderful frame of Sardinia, with a unique natural, historical and cultural heritage. Living in this municipality means immersing yourself in wild nature, discovering ancient traditions and tasting genuine flavors, all in the name of unparalleled tranquility. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of life, Asuni is perfect for you.
