Sardinia, a beautiful and fascinating island, is home to amazing breathtaking landscapes that not everyone knows. Among these are the “jars”, that is basaltic highlands that were formed in the Oligocene as a result of volcanic phenomena and characterized by steep slopes. They are located between the Marmilla and the Sarcidano and are three: the Giara of Serri, the Giara of Siddi and the Giara of Gesturi.
The latter is undoubtedly the most important, as well as the largest, since it has a length of 12 kilometers, a width of 4 kilometers and a width of 45 kilometers. With an average altitude of 500 meters above sea level and with the peaks of Zeppara and Zepparedda, the Giara of Gesturi has a mostly uniform surface, with some depressions that in the winter season fill with rainwater forming ponds called paulis. When the rains are particularly abundant, the water of the paulis overflows and creates small waterfalls along the edges of the Giara, creating a unique and exciting show.
The plateau is entirely covered by a very lush vegetation, composed of thick cork woods and typical Mediterranean scrub, characterized by myrtle, strawberry tree, marine cistus, heather, mastic and euphorbia.
The little horse of the Giara of Gesturi is accompanied by a long series of species of birds, about 64, to which add another 22 that arrive in the summer.
Moreover, the Giara di Gesturi offers a breathtaking view: climbing along the overhanging walls is, in fact, possible to observe from the Gennargentu massif to the Campidano plain, from the Marmilla to the sea in the distance.
Finally, do not underestimate the archaeological aspect: along the perimeter of the table of Gesturi extend, in fact, 24 nuraghi, which double if you place yourself at his feet. Their beauty has led many scholars to investigate more deeply, which has confirmed that the territory corresponds to a kind of natural fortress of the nuragic populations.
Foto : Unsplash
What to see in Gesturi
The town of Gesturi, which houses the famous Giara, is located at an altitude of 320 meters above sea level in the historic region of Marmilla. It is the northernmost village of the plateau and is famous not only for the Giara, but also for its past as a religious centre and for the archaeological heritage it still preserves today.
Those who visit the Giara di Gesturi can, therefore, take a walk through the streets of the host municipality and discover the wonders it welcomes inside.
Parish Church of Saint Teresa of Avila dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Assumption
The Parish Church of Santa Teresa d’Avila dates back to the seventeenth century and is dedicated to the saint of Spanish origin and patron saint of the town. Of late Gothic construction, it is clearly visible thanks to its bell tower about thirty meters high. Since 1743 it is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Assumption and is recommended to visit for its historical importance and for its architectural features.
The birthplace of Frà Nicola
In Via Frà Nicola is the birthplace of Blessed Nicola, in the historic center and a few steps from the Parish Church. It is a very simple house, of peasant style, with a courtyard formerly used to accommodate animals and a loft to store grains. Inside it is still possible to admire furniture and everyday objects that show the domestic life and the typical peasant work of the late nineteenth century.
Ancient residence of Count Orrù di San Raimondo
Right in front of Frà Nicola’s house is the Antica Residenza del Conte Orrù di San Raimondo, restored and set up to house the Conte’s tavern restaurant. It consists of a very suggestive structure, remained intact since the nineteenth century, when the family produced a very valuable oil. The result of extensions since 1815, the house is the result of a series of amalgamations between various peasant houses that, over time, have given rise to a complex of houses diversified from each other.
Museum of the jar
The Museum of the Giara is located inside a newly built building, built specifically to offer visitors a dynamic and engaging exhibition. It is usually advisable to visit the Museum before making an excursion to the Parco della Giara, or immediately afterwards for further information on the geology, archaeology, flora and fauna of this area of Sardinia. The structure is also equipped with an innovative teaching room where you can participate in many interactive workshops.
To know Sardinia means to explore also and above all its most hidden places, those less known and still remained to their natural state. The Giara of Gesturi is an excellent example of true Sardinia, rural and rustic, with a precious historical and archaeological heritage and deserving of all the attention to be devoted to real works of art.
Copertina: Unsplash
