Escalaplano: Plateau, Nuraghi and Festival Traditions

Escalaplano lies on a plateau almost 350 metres high, surrounded by the valleys of the Flumendosa and Flumineddu rivers. Cork oak forests characterize the area. Highlights include prehistoric remains, historic churches, traditional festivals and scenic destinations such as the Sa Trona sandstone formation. When planning your visit, you can therefore choose from different themes: cultural history, religious traditions, or trails and landscapes.

The plateau and its trails

The Cracuris Circonvallazione Escalaplano–S’Arcu Atzinnuri trail (C 562) is about 1.8 km long. Its status is listed as under review or maintenance; check before setting out. The route crosses a plateau with plots of land, some of them fenced. Some are used as pasture, others as olive groves and vineyards. This means the trail links different forms of local land use along a single route.

Another route, C213, leads to the Flumineddu ford in the Scarramini area. This ford may be difficult or impossible to cross. Keep this in mind if you are considering this route; C213 and trail C 562 are separate routes.

Nuragic remains and archaeological sites

In the Escalaplano area, the Is Clamoris complex on the Rio Flumineddu includes a Nuragic sanctuary with a sacred well. A Nuragic spring lies nearby. To find it, head north from Escalaplano along Corso Sardegna/SP13, then take Via S. Barbara and follow the signs to Perdasdefogu. After about 10 km, further signs near a bridge point the way.

The Domus de Janas di Fossada are also among the area's archaeological attractions. Obsidian and flint surface finds have been discovered nearby. These finds suggest that Neolithic workshops were located in the vicinity. Together with the nuraghi and temples with sacred wells, they illustrate the different types of prehistoric remains found in Escalaplano.

Churches and architectural history

The Church of San Sebastiano dates back to the 16th century and was built in the Gothic-Aragonese style. Its architectural features include a large original Aragonese-style rose window on the façade and a wooden pulpit, commissioned in 1623, which has been preserved. The building offers a chance to appreciate both the design of the façade and a specific detail of its furnishings.

San Salvatore stands on the Is Sceasa plateau, on the road towards Ballao. The former Church of San Salvatore was made of large brown stone blocks joined with a mixture of clay and straw. The present location and the traditional construction method of the former church are two distinct aspects of San Salvatore's history.

Festivals throughout the year

The festival of Saint Anthony the Great is celebrated on 17 January, followed three days later by the patron saint's festival of Saint Sebastian. Large bonfires are lit in honour of both saints, with wine and sweets shared and dances performed. On 15 May, the simulacrum of Saint Salvatore is carried to the rural chapel dedicated to him. The procession to San Giovanni on 24 June features traditional costumes and traccas: ox-drawn carts decorated with flowers.

Sa Passillada takes place in the historic centre on 31 October and 1 November. During the event, private courtyards are opened to the public. Check the dates for the relevant year before travelling. The festival days differ in their occasion and programme: local traditions include not only bonfires, tastings and dances, but also processions and decorated carts.

Sa Trona and the southern view

Sa Trona is a flat sandstone rock formation that extends over the precipice. It lies about 8 km from Escalaplano and offers a wide panorama to the south. Here, the landscape takes centre stage, while the archaeological remains and churches offer other insights into local history. Those choosing Escalaplano as a destination can therefore weigh up its natural setting, architectural history and established annual traditions.

Discover more destinations: Villaspeciosa, Nurri, Gergei, Sitò, Camisa, Selargius, Monserrato, Sinnai.

For the broader travel overview: Cagliari.