Villaurbana: Hiking, Nuraghi and Bread Culture

Villaurbana offers several specific points of interest for a trip that gives equal importance to nature and culture. These include the hiking trail to the Bau Mendula Nuraghe, older neighbourhoods and a varied bread culture. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the route to the site and the hiking trail: the information about the Nuraghe describes different routes and distances.

Hiking trails and landscape

Is Aruttas Santas is a natural monument featuring basalt columns and a surrounding forest of holm oaks and downy oaks. The basalt formations and the two types of oak are distinctive features of this natural monument. Nature lovers can appreciate the basalt columns and oak forest as distinct elements of the landscape.

The hiking trail to the Bau Mendula Nuraghe is 5.5 kilometres long, has a positive elevation gain of 130 metres and takes an average of one hour and 45 minutes. It is rated as easy. Trail details may change, so check local conditions before setting out. The trails in Villaurbana are also signposted and can be followed independently, although trail conditions may likewise change.

To reach Bau Mendula, travel from Villaurbana towards Oristano along the road to the hamlet of Tiria. After about 4.5 kilometres, you will reach the hill where the Nuraghe is located. The site is easily accessible via a steep path; Bau Mendula is an unmanaged archaeological site. The approximately 4.5 kilometres refers to the route to the hill, while 5.5 kilometres is the length of the hiking trail. This distinction helps you interpret both figures when planning your trip.

Nuraghi and early history

The Bau Mendula Nuraghe complex consists of a central main tower and additional towers. It dates from the Middle to Late Bronze Age. The site therefore offers a chance to consider both its multi-part structure and its historical dating. The Nuraghe Turriu is also located in the Villaurbana area, alongside Bau Mendula.

Another archaeological complex is the Tomba dei Giganti di Craddaxius. It is among the remains of the earliest phases of Nuragic civilisation in the Campidano. These different connections offer insight into various aspects of the Nuragic period: Bau Mendula is characterised by its towers and dating, while Craddaxius is associated with the early phases of this civilisation.

Townscape, church and language

In some of Villaurbana’s neighbourhoods, particularly the older ones, the traditional Campidano settlement pattern has been preserved. It includes old gateways to courtyards and so-called “lolle”, as well as historic streets that have in some cases been repaved. The gateways, courtyards and streets illustrate different features of this architectural and settlement style. Those interested in local history will find a different way to explore the area here than at the archaeological sites.

The small rural Chiesa di San Crispo is located in the surroundings of Villaurbana. It reflects the area’s popular religious devotion and rural history. Language is also part of the local cultural picture: the dialect spoken in Villaurbana is one of many varieties of Campidanese, a major branch of the Sardinian language. It occasionally includes words influenced by Catalan and Castilian.

Villaurbana’s bread culture

Villaurbana’s bread culture includes firm and soft breads, as well as decorated breads and those made for festivals. Firm breads include “sa prezzida” and “su tureddu”, while soft breads include “sa moddixina” and “sa lada”. Decorated or festival breads include “su coccoi fattu in domu”. The different names show that the bread culture encompasses both several types of bread and special shapes.

A bread specimen from Villaurbana is kept at the Museo del Costume di Nuoro (ISRE). Together with the breads mentioned above, it offers a tangible insight into a local tradition expressed through different forms and a preserved specimen. On your trip, you can make this food culture a focus in its own right, alongside the landscape, architecture and archaeological history.

Discover more destinations: Sennariolo, Seneghe, Uras, Santa Caterina Di Pittinuri, San Nicolò d'Arcidano, Allai, Putzu Idu, S'arena Scoada

For the full travel overview: Oristano.