Ruinas
Ruinas: A mix of history, nature, and pastoral tradition
Physical Geography
Ruinas, officially named "Arruinas" in Sardinian, is a town in the province of Oristano, Sardinia with approximately 600 inhabitants. It is located in the historic zone of Barbaxiana, meaning the "doors to Barbagia". To the south, it borders the wild mountain range of Montiferru, and to the north, it ends with the Araxisi river, a tributary of the river Tirso.
History
Ruinas boasts a rich history and artistic heritage, evidence of its ancient roots dating back to the Nuragic and Roman periods. The area was inhabited by the Nuraghis, such as the Nuraghi Norampe or Bruncu Nurampei and Nurachi, and also features the presence of domus de janas and the remains of the Ghentiana village from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Ruinas is a perfect destination for lovers of ancient places and nature. The historic center of the town houses the church of San Giorgio and the chapel of San Teodoro. In the surrounding area, visitors can visit the Nuraghi Norampe or Bruncu Nurampei, the Nuraghi Nurachi, and the Macchetturu menhir. The Grighine mountain and Araxisi river are particularly suitable for naturalistic excursions.
Society
The community of Ruinas has deep roots in pastoral tradition and transforms the milk of the sheep and goats raised in the area into excellent dairy products.
Economy
The traditional economy of the town is mainly focused on pastoralism, with a significant number of sheep and goats, although in recent years, there has been growing attention towards agriculture and tourism.
Languages and Dialects
One of the distinctive features of the town is the Limba de mesania dialect spoken, which distinguishes the town between two Sardinian languages, Logudorese and Campidanese.
Conclusion
Ruinas is a small town that combines its rich historical, cultural, and archaeological heritage with the beauty of nature and local traditions. It offers a unique and fascinating experience for those who want to breathe the authenticity of the most intimate Sardinia.
