Discover Silanus: Nuraghi, Romanesque Architecture and Sardinian Culture

Romanesque Architecture and Sacred Buildings

The Church of San Lorenzo was built around 1150 by Cistercian monks and is considered an example of Romanesque architecture in the Silanus area. It has a single nave, a rectangular floor plan and a semicircular apse facing east. Inside, San Lorenzo preserves a fresco cycle from the 13th and 14th centuries by an unknown artist, depicting San Lorenzo, San Biagio, San Benedetto and San Cristoforo.

Santa Sabina and Its Complex History

The Santa Sabina archaeological complex comprises a Nuragic tower, a sacred tholos well, a giants' tomb and the old church of the same name. The church dates from the first half of the 11th century. Its floor plan, with three apsidal spaces and a central dome, recalls late Roman and Byzantine cellae-trichorae layouts.

At the Santa Sabina sanctuary, a Mass is celebrated every afternoon for nine days each year, beginning in the second week of September. The religious calendar is therefore also one of the themes that shape the area beyond its archaeological and architectural features.

Nuraghi Between Uplands and Plains

Nuraghe Orolio, also known as Madrone, stands northeast of Silanus on a hill more than 400 metres high, about one kilometre from the town centre. Its twelve-metre-high granite tower has two superimposed chambers with exceptionally well-preserved tholos roofs. The surviving mastio has a truncated-cone shape.

Nuraghe Corbos lies seven kilometres from Silanus, between the upland of the same name and the plain of Ottana. Its approximately twelve-metre-high, truncated-cone-shaped tower is made of medium-sized basalt blocks. From Nuraghe Corbos, the chimneys of the Ottana plain, the mountains of Sarule and Gavoi, and the peaks of the Gennargentu are visible.

Poetry, Textile Art and Local Specialities

Sa Domo de sa poesia cantada is a museum dedicated to improvised poetry in the Sardinian language. Visits are available by reservation or for independent visits during the summer opening hours; guided tours and educational activities are also offered.

The “Il Filo della Memoria” exhibition has also been accessible via a virtual tour since 2020, featuring information panels, photographs, audio and video material. Its collection includes carpets, tapestries, blankets, towels and saddle bags made entirely in Silanus. Two historic looms, as well as traditional tools for spinning and warping, are also part of the exhibition.

The local character also includes the traditional pastry s’aligu from Silanus. It is made with honey, almonds and orange zest and wrapped in characteristic lemon leaves.

From Oak Forests to Cultivated Landscapes

In the mountain areas around Silanus, holm oak and downy oak forests predominate. In the lower-lying areas, the landscape opens out into olive groves, vineyards and cultivated land. If you would like to combine cultural sites, landscapes and regional traditions, Silanus offers a narrowly focused yet diverse range of themes.

Discover More Places

Onifai, Concas, Bortigali, La Caletta, Irgoli, Bitti, Posada, Belvi

To the overarching travel overview: Nuoro.