Sardinia is among the most popular summer destinations in the world; yet, the island is not only beaches and nightlife, but also local products of excellent quality (so as to be exported internationally) and historical evidence, cultural and architectural well visible within the walls of the villages scattered throughout the territory.
Two places of great interest for all those who want to discover the deep soul of Sardinia are Gavoi and Sarule, two “goodies” to be absolutely included in a travel itinerary that takes you to Barbagia, the innermost area of the island.
Gavoi
Surrounded by the Gennargentu and several streams, Gavoi is called a “jewel village” located in the wildest heart of Sardinia. Inhabited by about 3 thousand people, it is located at a height of almost 800 meters from which you can admire a territory rich in woods of holm oaks, chestnuts, holly, walnuts and cherries.
Inside the village, characterized by small granite houses, you can enjoy wonderful views of the beautiful valleys, taste the local delicacies (such as Pecorino Fiore Sardo Dop) and visit some of the most beautiful places in Sardinia.
Church of San Gavino
The Church of San Gavino is the parish church of Gavoi. It has a late Aragonese Gothic style, with a facade with a beautiful central rose window and a bell tower built in the Pisan era. Inside there are several side chapels and an imposing wooden choir behind the altar.
Sanctuary of Sa Itria
Just outside the historic center of Gavoi you can visit the Sanctuary of Sa Itria, totally surrounded by nature. Around you can see small houses where, even today, the inhabitants of Gavoi gather to celebrate the end of July in honor of Our Lady of Sa Itria, where they serve and taste the typical dishes cooked at the time.
Museum of the Sardinian Flower
The Museo del Fiore Sardo is dedicated to the excellent product of the area, inside which you can admire beautiful art installations and photographs that show visitors all the available forms of this precious cheese.
Lake Gusana
For those who love nature, Lake Gusana is simply not to be missed: it is an artificial lake that was formed following the construction of a dam. At the same height is a submerged Roman bridge, which residents call “Su ponte vetzu”. The area is ideal for all those who want to practice water sports such as canoeing and windsurfing, but also for those who love nature excursions.
Foto : Sardegna Turismo
Sarule
Famous for the famous Marian shrine Our Lady of Gonare, located 1100 meters high, from where the sea is a blue strip that surrounds the island, Sarule is a village inhabited by less than 2 thousand inhabitants and home to three limestone peaks, namely Gonare, Gonareddu and Punta Lotzori.
From the peaks you can see the sea both east and west. Even today, Sarule continues its agro-pastoral tradition, with excellent dairy products, renowned and exported all over the world, as well as its extra virgin olive oil. One of the best pecorino cheeses is produced by the local Cooperativa Unione Pastori.
But not only, because Sarule is known above all for the historical processing of carpets, mainly in the colors of yellow, black, red and brown or depicting scenes of agricultural activity. The weaving takes place through vertical looms, with which the so-called “burra” is made, a carpet unique in its kind and the result of a tradition handed down from father to son over the centuries.
Museum of Weaving dedicated to Eugenio Tavolara
Weaving is a must in Sarule, so much so that the village houses the Eugenio Tavolara Weaving Museum. Entirely dedicated to the sculptor, engraver and ceramist born and lived in Sassari, inside it is possible to admire a rich collection of handicrafts.
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
The oldest church in Sarule is the Church of the Madonna del Rosario, built in 1200 on the foundations of the Church of San Nicolò di Bari. The church was dedicated to the Oratory of the Rosary, since it houses the headquarters of the Brotherhood that bears the same name.
Parish Church of San Michele Arcangelo
In the center of the village, precisely in Piazza San Michele, stands the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, that is the parish church of Sarule. Built in 1764, it belonged to the Diocese of Alghero until 1939, then finally passed into the hands of the Diocese of Nuoro. Inside there is a beautiful altarpiece made by the painter Mario Delitala, accompanied by an ancient baptistery.
Church of the Holy Cross
To the right of the parish church is the Church of the Holy Cross, built in the sixteenth century and used as an Oratory of the Holy Cross by way of the Brotherhood bearing the same name. Inside there are eighteenth-century frescoes depicting the passion of Christ that, despite being well preserved over time, would definitely need a good restoration.
Church of Saint Anthony of Padua
Finally, here is the Church of Sant’Antonio da Padova: single nave, raised entrance, two staircases that flank the facade. The building contains an altarpiece by Salvatore Sechi, better known under the pseudonym of De Gonare. Also in Sarule, just like in most of the municipalities of Sardinia, on 16 and 17 January every year the Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot is celebrated, during which a bonfire is lit in the square in front of the church.
If the goal of the next trip to Sardinia is to taste delicious dishes and enjoy breathtaking views, then the villages of Gavoi and Serule can not miss!
Copertina: Sardegna Turismo
