Marrubiu
Marrubiu: a treasure in the Sardinian countryside
Have you ever been to Marrubiu? This Italian town, located in the province of Oristano in Sardinia, has a population of about 4,628 inhabitants and has a lot to offer. In this article, we will talk about the history and physical geography of Marrubiu, as well as the places of interest.
Physical geography
Territory
Marrubiu is one of the most fertile areas in Sardinia. Its location near the sea makes it an important agricultural center in the Campidano di Oristano region. The territory also includes part of Monte Arci, which is one of the major attractions of the area. In addition, until the large reclamation project that led to the creation of Arborea, Marrubiu shared with the neighboring town of Terralba the largest lagoon in the Oristano region, the Sassu, which is now drained.
History
The history of Marrubiu is closely linked to the obsidian of Monte Arci. This volcanic rock has been exploited since the Neolithic period for the production of weapons and tools, and traded by prehistoric Sardinians throughout the Mediterranean basin. Monte Arci's obsidian reached the coasts of the Midi in France, Corsica, and some settlements in northern Italy, from Tuscany to Liguria and up to Emilia-Romagna.
The first documented historical evidence dates back to the advanced Punic age. Around the town, one can still observe scanty evidence of some rural farms that arose in the Republican Roman age to improve the agricultural exploitation of these fertile lands. In the Imperial Roman age, as in the rest of the Sardinian provincial territory, there is a phenomenon of urbanization in the villa: the small farms are abandoned in favor of larger settlements, evidently more functional. The most important settlement of this time is certainly the Praetorium of Muru Is Bangius, inhabited until the Late Empire, with evidence reaching the full Byzantine age.
Places of interest
In Marrubiu, you can admire several testimonies of ancient Sardinian civilization. The Su Nuraxi nuraghe, near the cemetery, is a complex nuragic construction that dates back to the Bronze Age. The Nuraghe Ruinas, on the municipal border that divides Marrubiu from Terralba, is another interesting nuragic testimony.
In addition to the nuraghi, there are other points of interest, such as the parish church built on an ancient chapel of the 14th century, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and the Praetorium of Muru Is Bangius, the representation palace of the Roman governor of Sardinia.
Conclusions
As you can see, Marrubiu is a true Sardinian treasure. With its advantageous location near the sea and its fertile territory, this town is an important agricultural center in the region. Its history is linked to the precious obsidian of Monte Arci, which has been exploited for weapons and utensils since prehistoric times and traded throughout the Mediterranean. Marrubiu is also an ideal tourist destination for those interested in the ancient history of Sardinia. If you are in the area, do not miss the opportunity to visit this town and discover its fascinating history!
