Belvì between forests, culture and traces of history

Belvì between forest and rock

Belvì lies at an altitude of 660 metres on Monte Genna de Crobu. Spectacular limestone cliffs shape the surroundings to the west, while the foothills of the Gennargentu extend to the east. This location gives the town a distinct landscape character and makes Belvì appealing to anyone who wants to combine nature and regional culture on their trip.

Around Belvì stretch approximately 2,000 hectares of forest, as well as chestnut and hazelnut groves. The forests include holm oaks, chestnut trees, cherry trees, cork oaks, hazel bushes and oaks. Those who want to experience the landscape mindfully will find an environment where the different tree species and the altitude shape the impression of the place.

In the Occili Gorge stands a centuries-old walnut tree, one of the largest trees in Sardinia. Pitz’e Pranu is regarded by the people of Belvì as the guardian of the town. Both references add distinctive names and a local belief closely associated with Belvì to the natural landscape.

Archaeological sites and contemporary art

The Domus de Janas in Belvì bear witness to human presence in the area since the Late Neolithic. The Tomba di Giganti di Troculu is also one of the distinctive historical features around the town, with its burial chamber made of granite blocks and an exedra with a stepped wall.

The Cuccuru Nolza complex on the Su Pranu plateau comprises a nuraghe with a mastio and a four-lobed bastion, as well as a surrounding village. When planning your trip, the landscape of the plateau combines here with a multifaceted historical heritage, without requiring you to focus on a single type of sight.

In Belvì’s municipal park, the MAAC open-air museum of contemporary art displays large wooden sculptures of forest animals. Each sculpture is accompanied by a poem. This means that in the town you will encounter not only historical evidence, but also an artistic exploration of nature.

Museums, handicrafts and local specialities

The Museo di Scienze Naturali Belvì houses around 150 fossils of Sardinian origin from all geological ages, as well as approximately 500 minerals from Sardinian mines. Some of them are very rare specimens. The museum thus offers its own perspective on the island’s geological history and treasures.

In the historic centre there are handicraft workshops specialising in working with wood, iron and textiles. Another cultural facet is Sonos de Linna, a major cultural event in Belvì. Works from past editions are distributed throughout the old lanes of the historic town centre.

Belvì also has its own culinary profile: caschettes are traditional sweets from Belvì. They consist of wafer-thin pastry and a filling of roasted hazelnuts, honey and orange zest.

Belvì as a starting point for different interests

Uatzo is a starting point for signposted trekking routes. The tourist railway route also includes the old station of Belvì. When choosing a hotel in Belvì, you can therefore consider whether you want to focus your trip primarily on nature, culture, history or a combination of these themes.

Other places to include in your travel plans

Macomer, Irgoli, Meana Sardo, Torpè, Concas, Gavoi, Fonni and Mamone

For the higher-level travel overview: Nuoro.