Barigadu is the geographical region that extends between Campidano Oristano and Barbagia and is made up of eleven main villages: Allai, Ardauli, Bidonì, Busachi, Fordongianus, Neoneli, Nughedu Santa Vittoria, Sorradile, Ula Tirso, Villanova Truschedu and Boroneddu.
Even Barigadu, as well as Barbagia and Mandrolisai, is a natural territory of inestimable value. Its main attraction is in fact Lake Omodeo, the largest hydrographic basin in Europe. It is a beautiful place, surrounded by basaltic plateaus and Mediterranean scrub and holds an immense archaeological treasure. In fact, during the summer, when the lake dries up, it is possible to see Nuragic and pre-Nuragic settlements and even a fossilized forest. Around Ula Tirso, where there is the Santa Chiara Dam, you can see the former house of the central chief, abandoned in 1997 when a larger dam was built, which appears and disappears based on the height of the water. It is a two-story house where the central chief and deputy chief lived with their families. Not far from here is the village of Santa Chiara, where the workers of the power plant once lived. Starting from the municipality of Sorradile It is possible to go canoeing or kayaking in Lake Omodeo, but also to stroll along its banks and stop for a picnic while observing the animals that inhabit it. Another wonderful natural place in the Barigadu area is the Assai Naturalistic Oasis, about 10 kilometers from Austis, where, in addition to the thriving woodland vegetation, it is possible to closely observe animals such as Sardinian deer, fallow deer and various wild birds.
Austis bears the imprint of the passage of Roman civilization in its name, but another town in Barigadu also shares this fate: Fordongianus. In Fordongianus it is still possible to visit ancient Roman baths dating back to the 1st century AD where the water still flows at a temperature of about 54° and it is possible to touch it while visiting the site located along the bank of the Tirso river . Next to this site there are the Is Bangius thermal baths, where it is possible to take a relaxing and healing bath. In general, the presence of thermal water has always characterized the life of this town and still does, in fact today Fordongianus is the seat of one of the most important thermal structures on the island.
In this historic region it is also possible to visit a town where you can go back to being a child for a while. We are talking about Allai, the village that houses the first public tree house in Italy. Who hasn’t dreamed of having one in their own garden as a child? Here the dream comes true, in fact it is possible to enter it and visit all 3 floors. On the first floor there is a beautiful swing where you can take lots of photos and going up instead you have a splendid view of the Rio Massari, the river that runs alongside the town. You will also find a table to have a picnic and have a packed lunch with your family. In the village you will also be able to see some murals, the small but very nice Church of the Holy Spirit and a bridge from the Roman era.
As in all areas of Sardinia, even in Barigadu the cuisine is characterized by simple recipes and genuine products. Among the many delicacies of the area you must taste some typical dishes such as the “culurzones de patata de nebidedda di Ardauli”, “su succu a sa busachesa”, “s’ortau di Ardauli” and “sos cannisones di Ula Tirso” but in general feast of dishes that use local and delicious ingredients such as cheeses, typical bread and the IGP Sardinian lamb.
Come visit
Austis is located in the center of Sardinia about 90 minutes from the main airports and ports of the island.
The village is immersed in a beautiful area, where history is combined with archaic legends. Discover our traditions, genuine flavours, traditional clothes and our most beautiful monuments.
Come to Austis, natural Sardinia
