Modolo
Hello, welcome to Modolo, the smallest municipality in Sardinia!
Located about 49 kilometers from the capital Oristano, Modolo is a charming village that spreads over a hill surrounded by beautiful valleys used for agriculture. With just 165 inhabitants, Modolo is the smallest municipality in Sardinia.
Let's explore the physical geography of Modolo
The village is located 134 meters above sea level, and just a few kilometers from the sea. Modolo's territory is characterized by a series of small valleys used for agriculture that surround the hill on which the village is built.
Origins of the name Modolo
The name "Modolo" may derive from the ancient toponym Madala, or from the Latin "modulis", referring both to "small extension" and to the ancient way people in the Modolo valley used to channel water from nearby sources. In Roman times, there was already "Modulo Vallis", crossed by the western road that led from Sulki to Turris Lybissonis, now known as Porto Torres. The name changed during the Middle Ages to what we now know as "Modolo".
A brief history of Modolo
Modolo was founded by the Nuragic people and later came under control of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans. In the 7th century AD, monks from Constantinople settled in Modolo, evangelizing and building the parish church of Saint Andrew the Apostle. In the 13th century, Modolo belonged to the Giudicato of Torres, then to the Malaspina family, and subsequently to the Giudicato of Arborea, before becoming part of the feud of the Lords of Planargia. In the 16th century, members of the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel founded a convent and the church dedicated to the Madonna del Carmelo. In 1628, Modolo came under Spanish rule, and in 1839, feudalism was abolished, making it an autonomous municipality, initially in the province of Cagliari and since 1927 in the province of Oristano.
Symbols of Modolo
The coat of arms and the flag of Modolo were granted by decree of the President of the Republic on March 4, 2002. The city's flag is yellow.
The treasures of Modolo
A large area of Modolo's municipal territory is cultivated with vineyards, where the renowned Malvasia di Bosa is produced, as well as fruit orchards, especially cherry trees. Modolo is also famous for its parish church of Saint Andrew the Apostle, founded in the high Middle Ages but damaged by a fire in the 19th century.
Conclusion
If you are looking for one of the smallest municipalities in Sardinia, Modolo may be the right destination for you. This charming village immersed in nature is a delight for the eyes. From the beautiful valleys to the famous production of Malvasia di Bosa, Modolo certainly has a lot to offer. Don't miss a visit to the parish church of Saint Andrew the Apostle, which will make you feel surrounded by the ancient atmosphere of the village.
