Osilo
Osilo: a town in the heart of Sardinia
Osilo is a small town located in the heart of Sardinia, in the province of Sassari. With a population of 2,809 inhabitants, it is a historic and cultural center of the region. In this summary, we will take you on a journey to discover the history and places of interest of this splendid city.
Physical Geography
Osilo is located at an altitude of 672 meters above sea level and is the fourth highest center in the province. The city is located in the northern part of the three peaks of Mount Tuffudesu. In the municipality's territory, there are several hamlets, including Santa Vittoria (Osilo), San Lorenzo (Osilo), and San Lorenzo Valle, where about 8% of the population lives.
History
The Osilo area has been inhabited since Nuragic times, as evidenced by the presence of numerous Nuraghe present in the territory. During the Middle Ages, the town was part of the Giudicato di Torres, in the curatoria of Romangia, and several villages were located in the area. The castle of Osilo was built by the Malaspina after the fall of the Giudicato in 1259. After a series of wars between the Aragonese and various feudal lords, the castle and the village were sold by the Malaspina to the Doria in 1345. In the 14th century, the castle had a strong military garrison, and the village had about 150 armed men. In 1767 the barony was transformed into a county and granted in feud to Maria Pimentel. The Pimentel family were succeeded by the Tellez-Giron of Alcantara, who redeemed the town in 1839.
Monuments and places of interest
Osilo is famous for its numerous churches of historical and cultural interest. In total, there are 36 churches throughout the town. Among the main ones are the Church of San Maurizio, in Gothic-Catalan style, the Church of San Lorenzo, located in the homonymous hamlet, and the Church of Santa Vittoria, in the homonymous hamlet. The Church of the Immaculate Conception is the parish church and home to the patron saint. The Church of Santa Croce is located near the parish church and was the seat of the parish cinema. The Church of the Rosary has unique arches in its structure. The Babbu Eternu Church is located near the cemetery and has recently undergone restoration. The Church of Santa Lucia is located near the school complex, while the Church of Sant'Antonio is located on the outskirts of the village, at the foot of Mount Tuffudesu. Finally, the Church of Our Lady of Bonaria is located on the highest hill of Tuffudesu and offers a breathtaking panorama of the region.
In summary, Osilo offers an exciting and timeless experience to anyone who wants to discover Sardinia. The history of the town and its numerous churches are a lure for visitors who love to immerse themselves in the local culture and admire the hidden treasures of this beautiful corner of Italy.
