Viddalba between archaeology and Gallurese culture

Archaeology at the MAV: finds from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages

The MAV – Museo Archeologico di Viddalba documents the history of the area from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages.

One particularly striking type of exhibit at the MAV is the numerous Roman funerary stelae of the “a specchio” type, found in the nearby San Leonardo necropolis.

In addition to the funerary stelae, the exhibition includes Roman pottery, glass vessels, gold jewellery and gemstones, as well as coins and bronze objects.

The combination of the museum and the park leads from the displayed finds to the archaeological sites along the Coghinas.

San Giovanni and the landscape along the Coghinas

The historical heritage of Viddalba includes the Church of San Giovanni di Viddalba, a Romanesque church dating from the 11th century. The San Giovanni di Viddalba Archaeological and Natural History Park lies on the right bank of the Coghinas River, on a densely vegetated hill.

The park contains rock-cut tombs, known as Domus De Janas, associated with use during the Late Neolithic. Archaeological excavations also uncovered huts from a Nuragic village there.

Later, the archaeological site was occupied by an extensive Roman necropolis with numerous types of burial; figurative funerary stelae were found there in particular.

The densely vegetated hill on the right bank of the Coghinas provides a common setting for these archaeological traces.

Culture, festivals and regional lifestyle

The MAV organises temporary exhibitions, cultural events, themed tours and conferences.

The small rural Church of San Leonardo di Noblac probably dates from the Middle Ages. The San Leonardo festival takes place in its surroundings every year in the second half of May. Anyone wishing to include this date in their travel plans can arrange their stay for this period.

The Gallurese language and Gallurese traditions are widespread in Viddalba. Festivals and fairs offer opportunities to sample Gallurese soup, meat, cheese and wine.

Paths, thermal pools and mountain sports in Viddalba

Itinerary 3, “San Gavino – Terme di Casteldoria”, runs through the municipality of Viddalba, starts at Provincial Road 58 and is approximately 5 kilometres long. The approximately 5-kilometre length is a concrete figure for planning a day; however, it does not specify a walking time or difficulty level.

The Piscine Termali di Casteldoria are located in the municipality of Viddalba. On the opposite bank of the Coghinas River, the Terme di Casteldoria are located in the municipality of Santa Maria Coghinas. The Piscine Termali and the Terme di Casteldoria are therefore neither on the same bank nor in the same municipality.

In Viddalba, trekking and horseback riding excursions follow rural paths through the Stazzi and up onto the hills bordering the area. Sport fishing is also practised in Viddalba.

Monti Ruiu and Monte San Gavino offer opportunities for paragliding and climbing. Twenty routes equipped with bolted anchors are available there for climbing.

To the higher-level travel overview: Sassari.