Discover Ossi: Necropolises, Nuraghi and Open-Air Art
Accommodation in Ossi
Experience Ossi through its historic sites
Ossi reveals itself through specific sites where prehistoric rock architecture, Nuragic culture, everyday history and contemporary art meet. These include the necropolises of Mesu e’ Montes, Noeddale and S’Adde ‘e Asile, the Nuragic village of Sa Mandra ‘e sa Giua in the Litterai district, the Palazzo baronale and Parco di Molineddu.
File:Ossi, necropoli ipogeica Mesu 'e Montes 1.jpg
Photo: Cristian85 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Hypogea and rock architecture
The necropolis of Noeddale consists of six hypogea; three Domus de Janas display architectural features of houses. The Tomba della Casa comprises 11 chambers and represents a rectangular hut, a less familiar form compared with circular examples. In its main chamber, the Tomba delle Spirali preserves two pillars carved out of the rock and combines horn-shaped motifs with double-spiral motifs.
The other sites also display their own individual architectural features. In Tomb II of the Mesu e’ Montes necropolis, a hearth has been carved into the centre of the floor of the main chamber. S’Adde ‘e Asile lies at the foot of Monte Corona ‘e Teula and comprises 11 Domus de Janas as well as two excavation attempts. The Tomba delle Clessidre there is a multi-chambered hypogeum facing southeast, with a 3.5-metre-long dromos. The Tomba Maggiore comprises 21 chambers, but is inaccessible because it has collapsed.
Routes to the archaeological sites
To reach S’Adde ‘e Asile, the route initially follows an unpaved road, after which you continue on foot to the archaeological site. The Domus de Janas of Littos Longos can be reached via a descending footpath; after about 60 metres, the hypogeum is visible on the left.
Nuragic culture in Litterai
The Nuragic village of Sa Mandra ‘e sa Giua in Ossi’s Litterai district comprises a settlement of huts surrounding a Nuraghe with a visible central tower. This central tower was built between 1400 and 1300 BC; two smaller towers were constructed beside it. Also located in Sa Mandra ‘e sa Giua is the circular „Casa del pane“ with seating, rectangular basins and an adjoining oven.
Palazzo baronale and everyday culture
Ossi’s Palazzo baronale dates from the 17th century and has housed the ethnographic museum since 2007. An exhibition tour leads across three floors. At the museum, you can see tools used in agriculture and in the production of cheese, wine and olive oil.
Art and events at Parco di Molineddu
Parco di Molineddu covers approximately three hectares and forms an open-air gallery for contemporary art amid nature. Two arenas are used for concerts and other cultural events.
More destinations for planning your trip
If you would like to explore more places in Sardinia from Ossi, here are the direct destinations: Pattada, Castelsardo, Stintino, Viddalba, La Muddizza, Cheremule, Fiume Santo and Olmedo.
For the higher-level travel overview: Sassari.
