Ovodda between Nuraghi, Mountains and Sardinian Tradition

Ovodda between Nuraghi and Mountain Landscapes

Ovodda combines archaeological evidence with a distinctive landscape of mountains and valleys. The Osseli archaeological complex consists of a simple Nuraghe and an adjacent village. Nuraghe Osseli occupies a dominant position overlooking the valley of the Rio Aratu and its tributaries. This allows the site to be viewed both through its specific structures and through the surrounding landscape.

Archaeology and Architectural History

From route T531, you can visit the two menhirs of Sas Predas Fittas, erected during the Neolithic period. The Church of San Giorgio Martire in Ovodda was built in the 17th century in the late Gothic style; the granite bell tower was added in 1798. In Domus Novas, the remains of a Roman village built along the road from Olbia to Cagliari, known as Ulbia Caralis, have been preserved. This means that different forms of early settlement and architectural history stand side by side in the surrounding area.

Mountains, Forests and Water

Climbing the 1,266-metre-high peak of Bruncu Muncinale offers views of the deciduous forests that cover large parts of the Ovodda area. Just over 1 km southeast of Ovodda's populated area, the Rio Funtanedda forms the Cascata s’Istracca waterfall. This gives your trip planning a range of landscape themes to choose from—from mountain views and forested areas to the waterfall.

Other Historic Sites in the Surrounding Area

The ancient site of Nuraghe Talei lies in the wider regional surroundings of Ovodda. The ancient site of Nuraghi di Abbagadda is also located in this wider regional area. The historic site of Nuraghe Ligios and the historic site of Nuraghe Abbagadda are likewise situated in the wider regional surroundings of Ovodda. The mountain Serra s'Istevene, the peak Punta Marcusa and the mountain Corongiu Senes are located near Ovodda. Mount Monte Cuccureddu lies in the wider regional surroundings of Ovodda.

Carnival and Local Festivals

At the Ovodda Carnival, su Mercuris de lessia, the highlight takes place on the first day of Lent. During su Mercuris de lessia, the soot-covered sos Intintos and the Intinghidores appear, blackening people's faces with black powder as they pass by; the masks carry Don Conte Forru with them. The festival gives the local culture a distinctive and immediately recognisable expression.

San Pietro and the Sardinian Bread Tradition

The celebration in honour of Saint Peter takes place in Ovodda on 28 and 29 June at the rural chapel of San Pietro. Panificio Soru continues to produce a traditional type of bread, relying on methods rooted in Sardinia's thousands-of-years-old bread-making tradition.

What Makes Ovodda Special

The area's themes can be weighted differently depending on your personal interests. Those interested in culture will find points of interest in the Nuraghi, menhirs, Roman remains and sacred architecture. Those who prefer landscapes can focus on peaks, forests and water. The festivals and bread-making tradition complement these impressions with local customs and culinary craftsmanship. This creates a destination for you that can be understood not only through a single structure, but through the interplay of history, nature and everyday life.

More Destinations for Your Trip Planning

If you would like to consider other places in addition to Ovodda: Meana Sardo, Orosei, Irgoli, Belvi, Ollolai, Onifai, Cala Gonone, Mamoiada.

To the higher-level travel overview: Nuoro.