Guasila
Guasila: where history blends with nature
Hello everyone, today I want to tell you about Guasila, an Italian municipality located in the province of South Sardinia. With its 2,657 inhabitants, Guasila is a small capital of Sardinian durum wheat and is located in Trexenta, an ancient cereal region of Sardinia that still preserves its traditions.
The history of Guasila
The area where Guasila is located has been inhabited since pre-Nuragic, Nuragic, Punic and Roman times, as evidenced by the numerous archaeological remains found in the area. During the Middle Ages, Guasila belonged to the Giudicato of Cagliari and was part of the curatoria of Trexenta. After the fall of the Giudicato in 1258, the territory briefly passed to the Giudicato of Arborea. In 1295, the judge Mariano II of Arborea left the territories of the former Giudicato of Cagliari to the Republic of Pisa, a fiefdom of the Visconti of Pisa. In 1324, the town passed to the Aragonese along with all the centers of the former curatoriae of Trexenta and Gippi; in 1421 the village, along with all the other towns of the former curatoria of Trexenta, was entrusted to Giacomo de Besora who in 1434 obtained the feudal concession. In 1497, the town was united with the county of Villasor, a fiefdom of Giacomo de Alagón. In 1594, the county was transformed into a marquisate.
Over the centuries, Guasila has suffered numerous plague epidemics which caused a strong depopulation of the area. In 1703, the fief passed to the Da Silva - Alagón, who held it until the abolition of the feudal system in 1839.
The symbols of Guasila
The history of Guasila is also represented in its symbols: the coat of arms and the flag of the municipality. The coat of arms depicts, on a blue background, the facade of the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven (Guasila) in silver, accompanied, in the upper right canton, by a golden ear of wheat placed in bar; in the head (heraldry) of red, three mountains of silver, the central one higher, surmounted by an ancient golden crown of five points. The flag is a split cloth of red and blue.
Monuments and places of interest
Guasila is rich in monuments and places of interest, but I would like to focus on one of its most important religious architectures, namely the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven. Designed by the Cagliari architect Gaetano Cima and built between 1842 and 1852, this neoclassical style church has an octagonal plan and is topped by a large dome. The bell tower, 35 meters high, dates back to the 17th century and was adjacent to the pre-existing parish church, also dedicated to Saint Mary and attested in a document attributable to 1340-50.
Nature around Guasila
But Guasila is not only a city of history and art, it is also surrounded by unspoiled nature. There are many trails that can be walked, such as the Giant's Path, the Marganai Path and the Coalmen's Path. This last one was used by coalmen to transport the coal from the forest to the cities, and today it can be walked or cycled. One of the most spectacular natural attractions is the Su Giuxi Pond, where numerous species of migratory birds can be seen.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Guasila is a place rich in history, symbols and religious buildings, but also immersed in nature. Walking in its trails, strolling in its historic center and admiring the beauty of the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven are just some of the experiences that can be lived in this beautiful Sardinian town.
