Burcei
Welcome to Burcei: the town of cherries
If you are passionate about nature and ancient history, then Burcei is the right place for you. This Italian town, located in the province of Southern Sardinia, has about 2714 inhabitants and attracts attention thanks to its numerous natural and architectural treasures.
Origin of the name
The name Burcei comes from the Sardinian language "burrei", which means "herd of oxen" or "cows", symbolizing the long farming tradition of the area.
History
The territory of Burcei has been inhabited since the Nuragic age and during the Middle Ages it was included in the Judicature of Cagliari, in the Càlari Campidano curatory. After the fall of the Judicature in 1258, the town passed under Pisan rule and later under Aragonese rule. In the 19th century, the feudal system was abolished and the territory was redeemed by the Osorio family.
The present-day village of Burcei was built at the end of the 17th century, when some shepherds mainly from Sinnai, Settimo San Pietro, and Villasalto settled in the area, building the first homes.
Symbols
The coat of arms and the banner of Burcei represent the history and traditions of the territory. The branch of thorn with five silver flowers recalls the Malaspina family, who were lords of this town. The cherries and the goat, on the other hand, represent the predominant cultivation and breeding of the territory.
Monuments and places of interest
The town of Burcei is rich in historical and architectural treasures, among which stand out the parish church of Our Lady of Monserrato and the church of Santa Barbara. Moreover, the territory hosts numerous archaeological sites from the Nuragic period, such as the Bruncu su Entosu Nuraghe, the Bruncu sa Moddizzi Nuraghe, the Attu Nuraghe, the Dome'Sorcu Nuraghe, the sa Serra Nuraghe, and the su Nuraxi Nuraghe.
Society
The Sardinian language spoken in Burcei is the Western Campidanese and the demographic trend sees a slight increase in population.
Administration
The municipal administration of Burcei is constantly committed to improving the quality of services offered to citizens, always taking into consideration the importance of protecting the environment and enhancing local traditions.
Sport
For motorsport enthusiasts, the main event is the San Gregorio-Burcei hillclimb. Instead, for football lovers, the main team of the town is Polisportiva Burcerese, which plays in the Sardegna A group of Second Category.
Bibliography
To deepen knowledge of the territory and its history, we recommend reading "Raccontando Burcei" by Barbara Monni and "Burcei. Il paese sul crinale" by Gian Giacomo Ortu.
External links
For more information on Burcei and its activities, visit the official websites of the town and the Province of Southern Sardinia.
