Atzara

Welcome to Atzara

Hello friends, today I'll talk to you about Atzara, a charming Sardinian town of about a thousand inhabitants located in the province of Nuoro. The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, as evidenced by the numerous Nuraghe present on the territory.

History of Atzara

The village of Atzara dates back to the period around 1000 and is located near the source of "Bingia de giosso". The historic center is divided into ancient districts, all to be discovered: "Su Fruscu", "Lodine", "Montiga e josso", "Montiga e susu", "Sa Cora Manna", "Su Cuccuru de Santu Giorgi" and "Tzùri". The most monumental monuments and buildings are mainly built in granite.

Atzara: history, monuments and wild nature in Barbagia.

Symbols of Atzara

The coat of arms and the gonfalon of the municipality of Atzara were granted in 2014 by the President of the Italian Republic. The gonfalon is a blue and red cut flag.

Monuments and places of interest in Atzara

Religious architecture

Atzara boasts several religious architectures of great value. One of the most important buildings is the Church of San Giorgio, dating back to the period before 1205. The parish church of Chiesa di Sant'Antioco Martire, on the other hand, dates back to the 15th century and has a smooth facade and a central rose window in Aragonese Gothic style. The bell tower, on the other hand, is older and is of Romanesque architecture. Near the Church is the noble palace of Aragonese era, called "de Su Conte". The parish house, on the other hand, dates back to the same period.

Archaeological sites

In the surroundings of Atzara there are many interesting archaeological sites, including the remains of "domus de janas" in the locality of Corongiu Senes, the "tombs of giants" and the nuraghe of Abbagadda, better preserved than others, with its central tower about 6 m high. Other nuraghi present in the area are those of Ligios, Ni' e Crobu, Su Nurache, Figos, Su Pisu and Suergèdu.

Mines

Atzara hosts a graphite and quartz mine, known as "Sa Miniera de su lapis". In addition, in the municipal area there is a small mining area on the provincial road SS128 and a Barite quarry active in the 1980s.

Places of natural interest

Atzara is immersed in a wild nature, typical of Barbagia, surrounded by woods that cover the surrounding mountains and hills. The area is characterized by vineyards cultivated on the hills and by the plateaus of the western slope of the Gennargentu, the largest mountain massif in Sardinia. The town is located at an altitude of 543 meters above sea level and its highest point is Mount "Sa Costa" which reaches 782 meters.

Conclusions

Atzara is a charming place full of history, so much so as to deserve a careful visit. If you are in Sardinia, do not miss the opportunity to visit this ancient village, immersed in the uncontaminated nature of Barbagia. Walk through the ancient streets of the historic center and admire the beauty of the religious buildings and archaeological sites in the surroundings. Enjoy the breathtaking view that extends from the hills to the mountains of Gennargentu. Atzara will give you an unforgettable experience.

Veronica Vitale
Updated Thursday, May 5, 2022