Lodè: Montalbo, cultural heritage and Sardinian festivals

The area around Lodè is defined by the Montalbo mountain range. Its highest peaks, Punta Catirina and Punta Turuddò, reach an elevation of 1,127 metres. The area also has a historic centre, archaeological sites and local festivals. You can tailor your trip to Lodè to suit different interests: the landscape, the town’s history or the dates of its traditional festivals.

Landscape and nature in northeastern Sardinia

The Tepilora Regional Nature Park is in northeastern Sardinia and includes the municipalities of Bitti, Lodè, Posada and Torpè. The Rio Mannu flows near Lodè, and the Sos Golleos waterfall is located along it. Another place to visit is the Ceas Montalbo di Lodè at the foot of Monte Albo. The centre offers educational trails for exploring the region and guided visits, including the observation and study of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. If you plan to take a guided visit, check the current schedule before your trip.

The historic centre, crafts and archaeological traces

The historic centre extends along the slopes of the hill of su Inucragliu. Its typically medieval layout developed around the old churches; winding streets, arcades, narrow lanes and steps shape the townscape. Lodè has craft workshops where iron and wood are worked, as well as weaving and embroidery workshops. If you plan to visit a workshop, check locally in advance whether a visit is possible.

There are five Domus de Janas in the Lodè area: underground tombs carved into the rock, known here as Calas de sos naneddos. The Nuraghe Sas Melas, also called Norchirì, is considered the best-preserved nuraghe in the area. Fragments of two different Catillum millstones from Thilameddu can also be viewed at the Ceas Montalbo di Lodè. These sites and artefacts represent different chapters in the region’s history—from prehistoric tombs to historic millstones.

The CAI G-104A trail

A section of the CAI G-104A trail runs through the municipality of Lodè, within the Montalbo Site of Community Importance. The trail reaches the viewpoint at Corru 'e mandra pass and Punta Ferulargiu. An old transhumance route and the ruins of former sheepfolds are also along the way. Walking time and difficulty are not specified in this description; plan according to the conditions you find on site.

Festivals and traditions in Lodè

The Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate is celebrated in Lodè every year on 16 January with large bonfires in the streets. The festival’s customs also include children going from house to house to receive Calistros, Arantzos and other sweets prepared by women for the occasion. For Corpus Christi, the procession leaves the parish church and passes through the streets and neighbourhoods to temporary altars. Families provide the decorations, which include aromatic herbs such as erva de Santa Maria.

The Festa di Sant’Antonio da Padova, celebrated on 13 June, includes a procession after a solemn mass, accompanied by young people in traditional dress. After mass, sweets are offered to everyone present in the square of the same name. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the dates and the programme for that year in advance.

Guided visits and tastings

At Località Sant’Anna in Lodè, Azienda Agrituristica Sas Pretas Latas Fattoria Didattica offers guided visits to the farm and tastings. If you plan to include this activity, confirm the contact details before you travel. This lets you include the visit in your travel plans without assuming specific products or a set programme.

Discover more destinations: Mamoiada, Gavoi, Concas, Ottana, Aritzo, Siniscola, Tiana, Talavà

For the broader travel overview: Nuoro.