Ulà Tirso
Ula Tirso: the hidden treasure of Sardinia
Welcome to Ula Tirso, a small municipality in the province of Oristano, Sardinia, with a population of just 495 inhabitants. Despite its small size, Ula Tirso hides historical, cultural, and natural treasures that make it a unique tourist attraction. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover this enchanting place.
Physical geography
Ula Tirso is located in one of the most picturesque corners of the island, the evergreen Barigadu. The municipality borders Busachi to the south, Neoneli to the northeast, Ortueri to the east, Ardauli to the north, and Ghilarza to the northwest. The surrounding landscape is characterized by gentle hills and slopes that extend to the banks of the Tirso River.
History
Ula Tirso has been inhabited since the Nuragic era, as evidenced by the presence of some Nuraghe in the territory. In the Middle Ages, the municipality was part of the Giudicato of Arborea and the curatoria of Parte Barigadu. In 1478, after the definitive defeat of the arborensi, Ula Tirso passed under Aragonese rule, forming a fiefdom that passed under the lordship of various lords. In 1839, with the suppression of the feudal system, Ula Tirso became a municipality administered by a mayor and a city council.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the municipality of Ula Tirso represents a dam on the Tirso River, seen in perspective from the southwest side. The flag is white.
Society
In the past, Ula Tirso had an agricultural population, while today the predominant activities are tourism and small industry.
Language and dialects
The variant of the Sardinian language spoken in Ula Tirso can be traced to Limba de mesania.
Culture
Ula Tirso is not only a place of great natural beauty but also a homeland of art, music, and culture.
Events
The main festival is La Maddalena, which is celebrated on July 22. But also the patron saint Sant'Andrea on November 30, which is celebrated by tasting new wine. On December 13, Santa Lucia is celebrated with dances and sweets, and in January, Sant'Antonio abate is celebrated with the traditional "tuva" (bonfire) and dances accompanied by "pane cun gherdas", a typical Sardinian bread made with pork lard or fat and unlimited wine. In February, there is the carnival with traditional parades accompanied by the "s'urtzu e sos bardianos" mask. For Easter, do not miss the ancient rituals of Holy Week, the most touching of which is "s'iscravamentu", the ritual of removing Christ from the cross, on Friday with the nighttime procession.
Another saint celebrated is Sant'Isidoro, on the last Saturday of May in the Besela fraction. Thanks to the donation of land by a very generous ulese emigrated to the province of Verona, in 1996 the population built a countryside chapel dedicating it to the agricultural saint. The festival is an occasion to taste the typical boiled sheep accompanied by delicious local cheeses and wine until late in the evening.
Conclusions
Ula Tirso is an enchanting place where the beauty of nature meets that of history and culture. A place where you can discover millennia-old traditions and taste the true essence of Sardinia. Come and visit us, and you will be surprised by its beauty and the hospitality of its people.
