Olzai
Olzai: Discover the Mountainous Town of Barbagia di Ollolai
If you're looking for a place to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature, Olzai may be the right place for you. Located in the province of Nuoro, in the region of Barbagia di Ollolai, this municipality has 767 inhabitants and offers a mainly mountainous territory of granitic origin, surrounded by a vast amphitheatre of mountains.
Physical Geography
The town is located in the centre of a route that starts from the north, with the highest point of S'Ispiliu (758 m), and continues eastward through several peaks, including Eliai (851 m), Fronte Oroniai (905 m) and Punta S'Asisorgiu (1127 m). Olzai's territory is also part of the National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu, which allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking naturalistic routes through the mountains and forests of the area.
History
The Olzai area has been inhabited since the pre-Nuragic and Nuragic period, as evidenced by the numerous nuraghi, dolmens and menhirs found in the area. During the Middle Ages, the town was part of the Judicature of Arborea and the curatory of Barbagia di Ollolai.
One of the most famous historical events in which Olzai took part was the peace treaty between the Judicess Donna Eleonora d'Arborea and John I of Aragon, King of Sardinia and Sovereign of the Crown of Aragon. Ten inhabitants of Olzai, represented by "Majore" Antonio Contona together with four "juratis" and five "habitatoribus", were among the signatories of the treaty.
After various battles, including that of Sanluri, the territory of Olzai passed from the Curatory of Ollolai to the Marquisate of Oristano. In 1420, the Kingdom of Sardinia acquired the area and the Kingdom of Arborea was sold for 100.
Tourist Attractions
Olzai boasts many tourist attractions, including the historic church of Santa Barbara, the house-museum of painter Carmelo Floris, which collects several works of contemporary art, and a recently restored water mill. Inside the town, visitors can also admire the canalization work of the small river, channeled into a stone-paved bed and surrounded by splendid examples of stone arch bridges.
Union of Municipalities
Olzai is part of the union of municipalities of Barbagia together with Gavoi, Lodine, Ollolai, Oniferi, Ovodda, Sarule and Tiana. This district, which groups together a territory of about 10,000 inhabitants within a few kilometers, offers visitors the opportunity to discover peculiarities and points of historical, artistic and cultural interest, with the typicality of the products offered both in the food and craftsmanship sector.
Origin of the Name
The name of the town may derive from the Phoenician word ''"Hol" "Hoel" (territory, dwelling of my pilgrim)" according to theologian and linguist Giovanni Spano; or from ''"Iolai"'' according to Francesco Corona.
Conclusion
In summary, Olzai is a mountainous town immersed in the nature of Barbagia di Ollolai, which offers many tourist attractions, including the church of Santa Barbara, the house-museum of painter Carmelo Floris and the recently restored water mill. Olzai's territory is part of the National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu, and represents an ideal destination for those who want to spend time in tranquility and enjoy the beauty of the Sardinian landscape.
