Page 113 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sardinia

CENTR AL SARDINIA AND BARBA GIA  111

museum illustrates with
clarity and detail the history
of the area’s ancient nuraghic
settlements (in particular the
village of S’Urbale and the
sacred pre cinct of Abini). The
display cases contain pieces
found during excavations,
including everyday objects
used by the nuraghic
people. One hall features a
reconstruction of a round
dwelling dating from about
1000 BC. Inside are spinning
tools, pots, small axes and
The Lago di Gusana as seen from Gavoi granite mills. In the middle
of the house is the area used
e Fonni The town’s major festival is as a fireplace.
held in mid­June to celebrate The halls of the lower floor
Road map D3. * 4,600. n Town
Hall (0784 591 31). _ first Sun & Mon the return of the shepherds are used for temporary exhi­
in Jun: Madonna dei Martiri. and their flocks from the bitions on local culture and
∑ comunefonni.gov.it winter pastures. traditions, such as traditional
On the road towards Gavoi, costumes and handicrafts.
Fonni is one of the highest towns 4 km (2 miles) west of Fonni, is
in Sardinia, lying at an altitude of the Lago di Gusana, a large
1,000 m (3,280 ft). Its economy artificial lake. Its tranquil shores,
relies on tradition and tourism, surrounded by holm oaks,
offering locally made produce, make it a popular spot.
such as traditional sweets, as
well as fabrics and rugs known
for their fine workmanship. r Teti
Although the modern building Road map C4. * 900. n Town Hall
has slightly diminished its charm, (0784 680 23). _ third Sun in Sep:
at first sight the town gives the San Sebastiano. ∑ comune.teti.nu.it
impression of sprouting from
the mountainside. Perched on the rocky
On the edge of town is the mountains that dominate Lago
Franciscan Madonna dei di Cucchinadorza, the village
Martiri complex, which dates of Teti distinguishes itself by
from the 17th century. Inside is its small museum, the Museo
a curious statue of the Virgin Archeologico Comprensoriale.
Mary made from pieces of Run by a team of enterprising
ancient Roman sculptures. young local people, the

Foresta di Montes Bronze statuettes found at Teti,
Cagliari Museo Archeologico
At the foot of the rocky bluffs of
Monte Novo San Giovanni and Environs
Monte Fumai is the largest holm About 1 km (half a mile)
oak forest in Europe. Although southwest of Teti is the entrance
many trees were destroyed in to the nuraghic archaeological
the past by fires – often started site of S’Urbale. The village
by shepherds in order to acquire was inhabited from 1200 to
more grazing land – the vast 900 BC, and the ruins of many
forest is once again increasing prehistoric dwellings are still
in size thanks to replanting, and Monte Novo San Giovanni visible. The ancient nuraghic
today it attracts visitors from village of Abini is found 10 km
all over the island. Even in the
heat of the summer, a walk through this area and the plateau (6 miles) to the north of Teti.
around the River Olai is very enjoyable, as the dense forest
offers shade from the sun and there is a chance to see sheep E Museo Archeologico
and pigs, as well as asphodels in bloom. The many footpaths around Comprensoriale
the Funtana Bona forest headquarters offer opportunities for hiking Via Roma. Tel 0784 681 20. Open
and mountain­biking. 9am–12:30pm, 3–6pm (to 5:30pm
Oct–May) Tue–Sun. & 8 7

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