Samugheo
Welcome to Samugheo, the Municipality of Barbagia del Mandrolisai!
Welcome to Samugheo, a picturesque municipality in the province of Oristano in Sardinia with a population of 2,919 inhabitants. This place is famous for its unique traditions and important archaeological remains and is located at 370 meters above sea level, in the historic region of Barbagia del Mandrolisai. In this guide, we will show you the natural and historical beauty of Samugheo.
Physical geography
Territory
The territory of Samugheo covers 81.27 km² and is characterized by the lonely and wild mountains of the Mandrolisai subregion. The cool springs and lush vegetation make the landscape extremely fertile and rich. Moreover, the local fauna consisting of wild boars, foxes, hares, and rabbits is present in the area.
Among the landscape attractions, there are numerous caves that can be visited. These include the Sa conca 'e su Cuaddu cave in the Riu Settilighe valley, the Aquila cave on the Sa Pala de is Fais mount and the suggestive "buco della chiave", with its characteristic hourglass shape near the Medusa castle.
Origins of the name
According to the most accredited theory, the name Samugheo would derive from the ancient church of San Michele, called Sant Miquel in Catalan, and San Miguel in Castilian, which later became Samugheo.
History
The territory of Samugheo has been inhabited since the Neolithic era, as evidenced by the presence of "domus de janas". Later, the town was occupied by the Punics and the Romans. During the Byzantine era, the Medusa Castle was built, so-called because it was erected on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess.
During the Middle Ages, Samugheo belonged to the Judicate of Arborea and was part of the curatorship of Mandrolisai. After the defeat of the Arborensi, it passed under Aragonese dominion and in 1507 was governed by a lord chosen among the natives of the Mandrolisai Incontrada.
Traditions
Samugheo is famous for some of its traditions, such as Carnival, bread-making, and winemaking. During Carnival, called su Fraseghe, colorful and cheerful parades take place, accompanied by dancing and music. During bread-making, visitors can witness the traditional preparation of carasau bread and guttiau bread, which is cooked on an hostiolu (lava stone) and then roasted on the fire. The winemaking production of Samugheo is relatively young but of great quality. You can visit local wineries to taste myrtle and local wines such as Cannonau, Vermentino, and Bovale.
What to see in Samugheo
The city is rich in tourist attractions, such as the Medusa Castle, which stands on the ruins of an ancient Punic and Roman temple, which dominates the valley below. The historic center of Samugheo is characterized by narrow streets and alleys, ancient palaces, and numerous churches, such as the Santa Maria church and the San Sebastiano church. Moreover, the city is famous for its textile craftsmanship, such as the Samugheo carpet, known for the beauty and quality of its fabrics.
How to reach Samugheo
Samugheo is easily reachable by car from the main cities of Sardinia, such as Cagliari and Sassari. Alternatively, you can take the train to Oristano and then take a bus to Samugheo.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Samugheo is a picturesque and charming city with a rich history, unique traditions, natural beauty, and tourist attractions. If you are looking for a destination outside the usual tourist circuits, Samugheo is the right place for you!
