Nuorese Cultural District
Oliena
Description
Oliena enjoys a privileged position at the foot of Monte Corrasi, making it the perfect departure point for exploring the Supramonte mountain range.
It is also a place rich in historical and archaeological sites.
The Corbeddu Cave, for example, preserves the earliest evidence of human settlement during the Upper Palaeolithic and was later used as a hideout by the bandit Giovanni Corbeddu.
The village known as Sa sedda de sos carros dates to the nuraghic period and is known for its sacred spring complete with sculptures of rams and a circular stone basin.
Finally, among the countless other archaeological sites, the Papaloppe Bridge, a Roman bridge that was repaired by the Pisans and is still standing today.
Oliena’s picturesque countryside is filled with twisted junipers and holm oak, yew, maple and hawthorn forests. It is home to numerous botanical species, some of which native, and is pervaded with perfumes and colour during the flowering of the oleander and other plants.
Hikers can enjoy a vast range of landscapes, from calcareous plateaus, chasms and limestone pavement to caves, dolines and valleys called codule.
In the Lanaitto Valley, you find the Sa Oche stream, one of the many that have contributed to the formation of the karstic landscape. From here, you can access caves that link the underground rivers, like Sa oche and Su bentu.
About eight kilometres from the town, at the foot of Supramonte, you find one of the most striking natural monuments in all of Sardinia, the stunning karstic spring, Su Gologone. Its waters flow from sheer walls amidst lush vegetation before joining the Cedrino River.
Oliena is also famous for its excellent food and wine, including fine local olive oil and Cannonau Nepente, a traditional red wine.
It is a town worth visiting and made even more so by its tourist association, the Presidio Turistico Galaveras.