Simala
Simala: A Sardinian commune rich in history and culture
Simala, or Simaba in the local Sardinian language, is a commune in the province of Oristano in Sardinia, with a population of around 309 inhabitants. Let's discover together the history and treasures of this Sardinian area.
History
The area where Simala stands was inhabited both in the Nuragic and Roman eras, and some remains of this presence are still visible in the territory.
During the Middle Ages, the commune was part of the Giudicato of Arborea and the Curatoria of Parte Montis. With the fall of the Giudicato, it became part of the Marquisate of Oristano and then was incorporated into the Incontrada of Parte Montis under Aragonese rule. It was later a fiefdom of the Counts of Quirra, of Spanish origin, and in 1839 it was redeemed with the suppression of the feudal system.
Symbols
The coat of arms and the flag of the Municipality of Simala were granted by decree of the President of the Republic on January 9, 2006. The flag is a white cloth, a symbol of purity and peace.
Monuments and places of interest
Archaeological sites
The territory of Simala preserves some interesting archaeological remains. Among these, the nuraghe Spadua stands out as a testimony to the Nuragic presence in the area, and the Roman Mansio and medieval village of Gemussi, a well-preserved Roman site located near the village.
It is also possible to visit the remains of the Neapolis-Uselis Roman road that led to the sea, used by the Romans for the trade of olives and wheat.
Society
Demographic evolution
The population of Simala has always been quite small, with a maximum peak of 396 inhabitants in 1951.
Languages and dialects
The dialect spoken in Simala is the Western Campidanese variant of Sardinian, particularly widespread in the Campidano area.
Notes
The commune of Simala was long under the dominion of Aragonese and Spanish rule, a fact that influenced many aspects of the local culture and traditions.
Bibliography
For more information on the history and culture of Simala and Sardinia in general, we recommend the following books:
- "Storia della Sardegna" by Francesco Cesare Casula
- "La cultura in Sardegna" by Giovanni Lilliu
- "L'isola di Sardegna" by Antonio Pigliaru
Other projects
For more information on the municipality of Simala and cultural and tourist activities in the area, you can visit the official website of the municipality or that of the cultural association of the village.
