Muros: Sardinia’s Landscape and Cultural History
Accommodation in Muros
Muros lies at the foot of Monte Canechervu. Steep cliffs, plains crossed by rivers, and a diverse geological and plant landscape shape the surrounding area. The combination of observing nature and exploring cultural history defines the character of the area.
File:Chiesa di San Pietro extra Muros vista da Bosa. - panoramio.jpg
Photo: Carlo Pelagalli via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Landscape between Rock and Forest
Forests of downy oaks grow on Rocca Ruja; Badde Olia is an extensive holm-oak forest. Poplars, ash trees and willows grow along the banks of the Rio Mascari. These three landscapes offer different focal points for your planning: rock, forest and riverbanks.
The Grotta dell’inferno also combines nature and early human history. It is 220 metres long and is home to one of Italy’s largest bat colonies. The earliest human traces in the Muros area date from the Early Neolithic, around 6000 BC, and were found in this cave.
Archaeology and Sacred Heritage
Muros dates back to the Middle Ages, when there were three villages in the area. The parish church of Saints Gavino, Proto and Gianuario, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, houses an altarpiece of the three martyrs of Turris. Medieval local history and sacred art therefore stand alongside much older evidence.
Sa Turrìcula di Muros is a settlement site attributed exclusively to the Bonnanaro culture. The Turricula nuraghe was used as a cult building during the Punic and Roman periods. Those interested in Sardinia’s long history of settlement will therefore find different historical periods represented at various sites here.
Monte Terras is home to a necropolis with five Domus de Janas. On Rocca Ruja stands a hypogeum carved into the rock around 1300 BC, with an architectural façade halfway between a Domus de Jana and a Giants’ tomb. There is also a Giants’ tomb on Monte Simeone.
Festivals and Regional Orientation
Local character is also reflected in festive traditions featuring su cozolu ‘e s’ou, Amaretti and Formagelle at Easter, as well as Papassinos and Tiriccas on All Saints’ Day. These foods place Muros in context not only through its buildings and landscapes, but also through the annual cycle and regional food culture.
For your geographical orientation, State Road 131, known as the SS131, is important: Sardinia’s main road connection crosses the Muros area. A historical link to this transport route is a Roman milestone found in the Muros area in 1823. It is now kept at the Museo G.A. Sanna, indicated the distance of XVI miles to Turris (Porto Torres), and dates from 67–68 AD.
Other Places in the Area
For further regional orientation, you can also find Pattada, Perfugas, Tissi, Fertilia, Bono, Ploaghe, San Nicola and Nulvi here.
For the broader travel overview: Sassari.
