Ulassai is a hidden gem of authentic Sardinian culture. Its unique setting, perched on the hillside 750 metres above sea level, surrounded by a series of vertical rock faces, is just the prelude to the wonders this area has to offer:

  • Ulassai is fast becoming one of the best climbing sites in Sardinia.

  • Adventurous hikers and athletic mountain bikers will be spoilt for choice.

  • Ideal for both nature lovers and tranquillity seekers.

  • The town is the birthplace of Maria Lai, recognised as one the greatest Italian artists of our time. Maria, together with other acclaimed artists, have made of Ulassai an open-air art gallery. Visitors are invited to stroll around the town and surrounding area and discover the various “environmental art” works on view.

  • “Su Marmuri” caves, one of the finest examples in Europe.

  • The area is abundant in Nuragic forts and settlements.

  • A fully working textile mill, producing traditional Sardinian products weaved on ancient looms.

  • An area rich in quality vineyards, producing world class wines.

  • Travel back in time and stay a night in one of the recently restored “ Ovile”, Sardinia's traditional shepherd hut. Star- gazing at night is a memorable experience!

  • Don't forget that a crystal-clear sea and white sandy beaches are only a 20-minute drive away.

 

Touring the local area.

The paved road leading from Barigau, the town's grassy square in the direction of Santa Barbara, takes the visitor past the impressive high cliffs of “Lecorci”. Those fortunate enough to be here during the rainy period, will be able to marvel at Ulassai's magnificent waterfall. The falls 100 metres high and 70 metres wide are best viewed from the small bridge, which passes over the “Rio Lequarci”. Here the river flows under the bridge forming deep pools. During the long Summer months, the pools provide a welcome opportunity for a refreshing dip and the majestic oak trees lining the riverbanks create much appreciated shade. Santa Barbara situated 7km from Ulassai, once served as the religious and cultural focal point of the town. The site's key point of interest is the splendid church dating back to the late Roman period. The church, with its spiritual and religious air, is surrounded by ancient dwellings dating back to the 12th century.

The Canyon and the Falls

Ulassai's canyon, situated just above the town, is regarded as one of Sardinia's best climbing sites. The canyon‘s vertical walls have been equipped for climbing thanks to help provided both by Ulassai's ProLoco and the expert hands of Sardinia's famous climbers Maurizio Oviglia, Simone Sarti and Faldy Selis. The limestone canyon provides an ample range of possibilities to satisfy the needs of both the novice and expert climber. In addition the canyon has the added bonus of being cool and fresh throughout the year, even in the summer when the hot weather makes climbing in other sites in Sardinia prohibitive. “Lecorci” or the waterfall as it is more simply known, provides another of Ulassai's quality climbing sites. All the routes have been equipped by the Cagliari- born Gianluca Piras.Here at “Lecorci”, whilst certain routes exist for the novice climber, the majority require a strong grip and a good climbing technique. Without a doubt this area is destined to become better-known and appreciated by Europe's top climbers. A sentiment born out by one of Italy's best known climbers Manolo, featured in the photo, while climbing here in Ulassai. This easily reached climb-site is situated only a two-minute walk from the first curve on the road leading to the town's cave “Grotte Su Marmuri”

Trekking

The town's forestry commission have been invaluable in helping to lay out Ulassai's hiking trails. The trails, leading through marvellous ancient woodland, were carefully chosen to allow walkers to see the best of Ulassai's natural beauty. Two of the trails can be easily followed using the map detailed on the back. The following is an extensive description of the simple 1 hour uphill walk to “Bruncu Matzei”. The well sign-posted route leads to the top of Bruncu Matzei, where visitors are rewarded with an impressive aerial view of the town, the surrounding area and the mountains in the distance. From the summit, the vast expanse of Eastern Sardinia spreads out below, from the peak of “Gennargentu” to the natural monument “Perda Liana”, from “Monte Corongiu” situated closeby, to the distant “Sette Fratelli”. On clear days it is possible to see the coastal region of “Tortoli” lying 1,000 metres below. The trek starts at the town's characteristic textile factory “Cooperativa Tessile Su Marmuri”. The building is situated at the entrance to Ulassai, for those travelling from the direction of Jerzu. The well trodden path, signposted 550, starts directly at the side of the “Cooperative” The trail winds its way up the eastern side of the “tacco” levelling out at a level plateau. From here the trail continues on to a fork. From here it is necessary to follow the indications for Bruncu Matzei. Continuing gradually uphill, the trail leads towards the summit, still hidden from view by a series of rocks. There is the possibility of a slight detour to visit the “Grotta Matzei” (Matzei Cave). The cave runs 150 metres into the hillside and is worth a visit. The trail passes to the southern side of the mountain and within a short period of time reaches the summit. Here a rock slab provides the ideal viewpoint from which to admire the well earned view. The return trek is by means of the same route or there is the possibility of taking the path that leads through the narrow “Su Stampu” mountain pass. Those choosing to take this route should follow the signs which indicate “Discesa Barigau”. Some attention is required due to the loose rocks underfoot. A further and longer return route is the one which leads via the “Scala De Pedru”, on the western side of the mountain. Those walkers choosing this route will have to follow a track which runs alongside the whole length of the tacco.(Duration 1.5 hours from the summit). Sky-blue cloth, sky-blue ribbon. The legend becomes a true-life reality. Like a child seeking shelter in a cave, the town's folk of Ulassai saved themselves from the potential crumbling mountain by rediscovering their true cultural and historical roots. On this occasion the ribbons didn't just appear by chance, but were carefully placed by the town's inhabitants. A network of ribbons linked the entire town, house to house, window to window, door to door and above all citizen to citizen. In doing so the artistic event “Legarsi alla Montagna” united the people of Ulassai helping them overcome their past differences, cancelling age-old feuds and forming new friendships. This ceremony, which at the same time was both aesthetic, sacred and political, helped realize the much sought after dream of modern art; that of provoking a change in our lives, even if for just one brief moment, in this remote corner of Sardinia, where the prestigious personalities of the art world are but mere names. The dinosaur: this work is an interpretation of the period of man's presence on earth, during which his awareness has spread from prehistoric times to the collapse of certainties. (Maria Lai)

Maria Lai (Ulassai) is recognised as one of Italy's greatest modern day artists. A former student of Arturo Martini, she based her work of the experimentation of language and material, ranging from painting to sculpture, from theatre to environmental art.

 

Text Maurizio Oviglia

The Caves (Le grotte)

The caves “Grotte Su Marmuri” are situated a short distance from the town. They are open to the public and are regarded as one of the finest examples in Europe. The caves can be visited daily: Cooperativa Su Bullicciu (+0039) 0782 79859. The network of caves boasts a marvellous array of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and enormous chambers.Grotte Su Marmuri is equipped with modern walkways to make visiting the cave a highly enjoyable experience. The informative guided tour lasts approximately one hour. The caves are open from Easter to October. For those guests having worked up an appetite during the cave visit, there is the possibility of sampling local dishes in the restaurant situated just outside the entrance to the cave.

Textile Mill and Working Museum

Among the various skilled craftsmen working in the area, the textile mill and working museum necessitates a particular mention. Here at the “Cooperativa Tessile Su Marmuri” visitors can marvel at the handcraft skills of the textile workers, who, using ancient looms carry on the traditional work of the area's weaving industry. Of particular interest is the cooperation between the artist Maria Lai and the textile factory, which has resulted in the production of some highly original pieces.

Where to stay

Tourists wishing to stay and savour the delights of the area can contact the town's hotel :

“Su Marmuri “ Corso Vittorio Emanuele

tel (+0039) 0782 79003 fax 0782787254

e-mail: sumarmuri@tiscali.it

18 rooms. 12 double and 6 single all en-suite.

Friendly family atmosphere, offers simple, spacious accommodation at reasonable prices. The majority of the rooms have wonderful views either looking out onto the surrounding hills and mountains or towards the coast and sea.The restaurant offers local Sardinian and Italian specialities.Your friendly host Tonino Lai has a detailed knowledge of the area. He will be only to happy to give advice to those guests anxious to explore and discover this beautiful part of Sardinia.Climbers should contact the hotel in order to have maps and directions to the various climb sites. Mountain bikers will also find useful information at the hotel.

 

Useful information

  • Textile museum and factory : (+0039) 078279076

  • “Su Marmuri” caves : (+0039) 078279859

  • Quad bike and off-road excursions: 3395881134

  • First Aid post ( 24 hours ) (+0039) 078270170

  • Ambulance service 118

  • Hotel Su Marmuri: (+0039) 0782 79003