Ovodda: Archaeology, Landscape and Traditions

Ovodda offers reasons to travel rooted in archaeology, architectural history and landscape, as well as local festival traditions. The different themes of a stay include the menhirs of Sas Predas Fittas, Roman remains at Domus Novas, the Osseli nuraghe complex and Bruncu Muncinale. When planning your hotel stay, it may help to start by asking whether your interests lie mainly in cultural sites, the landscape or a particular festival date.

Archaeological Sites and Architectural History

The Osseli archaeological complex consists of a simple nuraghe and an adjoining village. Its commanding position offers views over the valley of the Rio Aratu and its tributaries. Thus, the Osseli complex and its views across the valley are both part of the landscape described here.

From trail T531, you can visit the two menhirs of Sas Predas Fittas, erected in the Neolithic period. The trail provides a specific point of reference for planning a visit to this pair of monuments. At Domus Novas, the remains of a Roman village built along the road from Olbia to Cagliari, known as ab Ulbia Caralis, have been preserved. The menhirs and the village therefore represent two distinct historical periods: the Neolithic and the Roman era.

A later landmark is the Church of San Giorgio Martire. It was built in the 17th century in the late Gothic style; the granite bell tower was added in 1798. These details distinguish the construction of the church from the later addition of the tower.

Landscape Between the Summit and the Waterfall

Climbing the 1,266-metre-high Bruncu Muncinale offers views of the broadleaf forests covering large parts of the Ovodda area. The summit’s elevation and the forested areas are two connected details that help define the landscape: from the peak, the view takes in the area’s extensive woodland.

Another natural feature is the Cascata s’Istracca, formed by the Rio Funtanedda. The waterfall is a little over a kilometre southeast of Ovodda’s built-up area. Bruncu Muncinale and the Cascata s’Istracca therefore offer distinct travel experiences: one features views over the forests from the summit, while the other is a waterfall on the Rio Funtanedda.

Festival Traditions and Dates

The highlight of Ovodda’s carnival, su Mercuris de lessia, falls on the first day of Lent. Since this date shifts with Easter, the exact dates vary from year to year. The celebration features the soot-covered sos Intintos and the Intinghidores. The Intinghidores blacken people’s faces with black powder as they make their way along the route; the masks are led by Don Conte Forru. If you would like to include the carnival in your travel plans, check the date in advance.

Another set date is the celebration in honour of Saint Peter, held on 28 and 29 June at the rural chapel of San Pietro. You should also check this date again before travelling. The two festival dates are easy to distinguish: su Mercuris de lessia follows the Lenten calendar, while the celebration in honour of Saint Peter is associated with the specified days in June.

Ovodda’s Bread-Making Tradition

Panificio Soru continues to make a traditional type of bread. The methods used are rooted in Sardinia’s millennia-old bread-making tradition. Availability and opening hours may change, so check in advance if you would like to find this bread.

This gives you a clear set of themes to choose from when planning your stay: historic buildings and archaeological remains, views and natural features, or a festival tied to a particular date in the calendar. These details can help you decide what to focus on during your trip to Ovodda.

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View the wider travel guide: Nuoro.