Villaputzu
Welcome to Villaputzu: a journey through the history of a small Sardinian town
Introduction
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a small Sardinian town located in the Sarrabus sub-region: Villaputzu. Villaputzu, or Biddeputzi in Sardinian language, is a municipality of about 4600 inhabitants that is part of the province of South Sardinia and the diocese of Lanusei. In this article, we will explore its physical geography, its ancient and medieval history, and discover how the city has evolved over time.
Physical geography
Villaputzu is located eight meters above sea level and is located in the Sarrabus sub-region. The town extends over an area of 200 km² and is located in a flat area created by the alluvial deposits of the Flumendosa river, near the hills of Sarrabus. The territory is geographically divided into two parts: on one hand, in the Sarrabus sub-region and on the other hand, in the Quirra sub-region, shared with some Ogliastran municipalities.
History
Traces of human settlements in the area date back to the Nuragic age, as evidenced by the numerous nuraghi and objects found near the current district of Santa Maria. Villaputzu's history until the Middle Ages is identified with that of Sarcapos, a commercial and port city probably located at the mouth of the Flumendosa river or in its vicinity. Sarcapos was configured as a support center for the routes towards Etruria, the only river port on the eastern coast of Sardinia. It is not certain whether the center was under Phoenician control, but the constant presence of Punic merchants is plausible. After the first Punic war, Sarcapos became increasingly important as a port for routes from central Italy.
In Tolomeo's work ''Itinerarium Antonini'', the city is indicated along the road that leads from Cagliari to Olbia, between ''Ferraria'' (San Gregorio) and ''Porticenses'' (Tertenia), near the mouth of the Flumendosa. Due to the frequent barbarian invasions since the 8th century, the village moved to its current site, more easily defensible.
Villaputzu has had many names throughout history. In the register of the Cagliari district, we find the names ''Villa Pupus'', ''Villa Pubussi de Sarrabus'' in the Pisan tax register and again ''Pututhi'', ''Pupusti'' and ''Pupucci'' in a time frame ranging from 1316 to 1346.
Middle Ages
Until 1258, Villaputzu was part of the Cagliari district, in the Sarrabus curatorship. The judge owned a castle in the territory, called Quirra. At the fall of the district (1258), the territory passed briefly to the Gallura district and then to the municipality of Pisa. The Aragonese conquest of Sardinia in 1324 upset the previous social, economic and political structure, causing the fragmentation of the country into two settlements: Tarruti and Villa Pupusi.
Conclusions
Here is a brief journey through the history of the small Sardinian town of Villaputzu. As you have seen, the city has a long history that goes back centuries. From traces of human settlements dating back to the Nuragic period to the Aragonese conquest of Sardinia, Villaputzu has undergone many changes over the centuries. Despite historical events, however, the beauty and charm of the town remain unchanged. I hope to have sparked your curiosity and made you appreciate this small Sardinian town. Thank you for following me on this journey, and see you soon!
