Orosei

(Photo by sardegnaremix.com)

In the beautiful Cedrino valley lies Orosei, which gives its name to the famous coast of central-eastern Sardinia. The gulf stretches for about 20 kilometers with an alternation of splendid cliffs overlooking the sea and beautiful beaches from Bidderosa to Cala Goloritzè.

The small seaside hamlets of Sos Alinos, Cala Liberotto and Sas linnas Siccas also belong to Orosei.

The town of Roman origins stands on an earlier Nuragic settlement. During the Pisan period it gained importance thanks to the colony of merchants who managed the port efficiently. It became the main seat of the curia of the Giudicato of Gallura during which a castle, the tower of Sant'Antonio, the parish church of San Giacomo e Gavino and Sa Prejone Vezza were erected. It was acquired in 1449 by the Guiso family, who, moving into the center, began the building of beautiful stately mansions that can still be admired in the very interesting historic center.

Several times it was subject to raids and attacks. The last was in 1806 foiled by the legendary figure of Tomaso Mojolu who gave the alarm shouting "Death to the Saracens" while the villagers slept.

THINGS TO SEE

The settlement is located on the site of the ancient Fanum Carisii and became in the early Middle Ages an important village surrounded by towers and walls. It is rich in archaeological monuments such as the numerous nuraghi; that of Osalla, which rises in the cove of the same name dominating the entire gulf; the Nuraghe Golunie, among the most well-maintained and, among the most interesting, the Sa Linnarta complex, with a three-lobed nuraghe, numerous huts and a beautiful sacred spring.

Well preserved is the historic center, rich in works of rural architecture and noble palaces. Through a guided tour you will be able to visit the parish church of San Giacomo which is one of the most remarkable Baroque churches in Sardinia, the three oratories, and the Curia Regni, known as Prejone Vezza from the 14th century which is what remains of the ancient castle namely its tower. The visit continues with Su Probanu from the 1700s and the peculiar Architectural complex of Sant'Antonio Abate which includes the tower in the center of the courtyard and the Romanesque church made of volcanic stone that with the small houses functioned as a hospital. Very interesting is the Don Giovanni Guiso Museum of Historical Theaters where inside the same you can also admire early editions of books on Sardinian subjects, including a unique copy from 1587.

There are many beaches you can visit: the most famous is Bidderosa beach, which is located within a forest park with 500 hectares of greenery and five coves with pinkish sand that characterizes the beautiful oasis. Going down towards Cala Gonone you will find the beaches Sa Curcurica, Cala Ginepro and Cala Liberotto. Continuing on then, also the inlet of Sas Linnas Siccas and the cove of Fuile 'e Mare with its pink granite seabed. From here, for at least seven kilometers, the coast is jagged all the way to the mouth of the Cedrino River, on which it is possible to kayak and visit unreachable places such as the church of San Pantaleo.

For diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, the seabed of the Orosei Sea is of strong attraction. Considered among the most beautiful Italian wilderness parks is the Gennargentu Park and Gulf of Orosei with a landscape that changes depending on the slope or relief you go to explore.

There are many events of a religious nature that you can experience throughout the year: the Bonfire of St. Anthony held on January 16; in mid-May there is the feast in honor of St. Isidore with the procession of horses; and on the last Sunday in May there is the procession dedicated to Santa Maria 'e Mare where fishermen's boats from the bridge over the Cedrino River carry the simulacrum of the Madonna to the church of Pisan origin located at the mouth of the river.

Orosei's patron saint, St. James the Apostle is celebrated instead on July 25. 

The cuisine of Baronia consists mainly of land with pastas and soups, ravioli and meats, but also seafood dishes. Typical dishes include savoy cabbage and ricotta soup, huge clams and excellent sea bass wrapped with wild chard or chicory. There is also no shortage of oil and the excellent red wine of Baronia.