Gonnosnò: Giara, Cultural Heritage and Hiking

Gonnosnò lies at the foot of the Giara plateau in Alta Marmilla. The municipality also includes the hamlet of Figu and part of the plateau; this area is recognised as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). For orientation, it is worth treating the village, Figu and the Giara as distinct points of reference. The sights and the Sa Jara loop hike each have their own focus. If you are looking for a hotel in Gonnosnò, these themes can help you decide whether the destination suits your travel interests.

Location and the Giara

Part of the Giara plateau lies within the municipality of Gonnosnò and is recognised as an SCI. The Sa Jara loop hike also takes place on the Giara, but in its northwestern part. Its area includes Genoni on the plateau, as well as Gonnosnò and Sini on the slopes. These details provide different points of reference: one describes the municipality’s share of the plateau, while the other concerns the area covered by a specific loop hike.

Sacred well, Giants’ Tombs and nuraghe

The sacred well of San Salvatore is located on Mitza Santu Srabadori hill. The Giants’ Tombs of Is Lapideddas lie a little higher up. They can be reached via a paved road from the hamlet of Figu, and signposts are in place. For planning purposes, it is helpful to note the distinction: the hill identifies the location of the sacred well, while the road and signpost details refer to Is Lapideddas.

Another archaeological point of interest is Nuraghe Nieddiu, on a projecting spur of the Giara. It may have served as a defensive structure. Each of these sites has a different point of interest: the location of the sacred well, the position of the Giants’ Tombs above it, and the possible function of the nuraghe. The defensive interpretation is explicitly only a possibility.

The Sa Jara loop hike

The Sa Jara loop hike takes place in the northwestern part of the Giara and includes the municipalities of Genoni on the plateau, and Gonnosnò and Sini on the slopes. The route description lists stony ground, water and mud, and the descent at Scala S’Eremida as challenges. The route therefore presents some difficulties. For planning, these specific trail conditions matter more than the general label “loop hike”; also check current trail conditions before setting out.

A route description dated 7 April 2024 gives the car park of the Costa Linus municipal tourist facility in Gonnosnò as the starting point. This information helps identify the stated starting point. Together with the notes on the terrain and descent, it provides a clearer picture of the route than its name alone. If you include the hike in your travel plans, keep in mind both its location in the northwestern Giara area and the difficulties listed.

A cultural perspective

The municipal mural “Murale – Libri” depicts Gramsci’s utopian drive to seek knowledge for oneself and others under all circumstances. It adds a cultural point of reference to the landscape and archaeological themes: at its heart is the personal and shared pursuit of knowledge. Gonnosnò can thus be explored not only through the plateau and archaeological sites, but also through the idea expressed by this mural.

Discover more destinations: Santa Caterina Di Pittinuri, Baradili, Sennariolo, Zeddiani, Putzu Idu, Nurachi, S'arena Scoada, Scano Di Montiferro.

For the broader travel overview: Oristano.