Nuorese Cultural District
Nuoro
Monte Ortobene
Description
Standing at almost 1,000 metres in height, this majestic mountain chain extends over 1,600 hectares and has a history that dates back to prehistoric times.
Ortobene offers an infinite variety of views, with soaring granite rocks alternating with valleys and troughs.
Its trails lead you through dense holm oak forests interspersed with Italian oak, cork oak, holly and Mediterranean scrub. The fields are scattered with orchids, while the undergrowth, near the springs, is alive with cyclamen, ferns and mushrooms.
The mountain is home to a variety of mammals, including wild boar, weasels, hares, pine martens, foxes and raptors, like golden eagles, goshawks, peregrine falcons, buzzards and sparrow hawks, as well as other birds such as partridges, turtle doves and sparrows.
Ortobene is surrounded to the north and south by rivers, including the Cedrino, and to the east and west by valleys rich in pre-nuraghic remains – three domus de Janas (Maria Frunza, sas Vrighines and Janna Ventosa) – as well as the ruins of two old churches: sa Itria and santu Jacu.
The highest peak is Cuccuru Nigheddu (955 metres), and once there you can admire a panorama that spans from Monte Albo to the Orune plateau.
Ortobene’s numerous parks include the one most closely identified with the mountain, which is located at its summit: the park of the Redentore, which is dominated by a famous statue carved by Vincenzo Jerace in 1901.
Every year, at the end of August, the procession of the Sagra del Redentore is held here, with parades featuring traditional costumes, songs and dances from all of Sardinia’s towns.
Contact
- Address:
- Monte Ortobene, 08100 Nuoro NU, Italia