Mandrolisai

The pulsating heart of Sardinia, between the Barbagia and the Barigadu, the territory of Mandrolisai is characterised by the alternation of highlands with deep valleys ideal for pasture, with woods of cork oaks and chestnut trees; but it is the vines, above all the Sardinian Bovale, even if the Cannonau and the Monica are also present, that occupies the large areas.

The production of the Mandrolisai, a rosé or red wine, has in fact a remarkable impact on the economy of the territory. Sorgono is the main town of the area: at 700 metres above sea level, it enjoys a pleasant climate even in the height of summer. In the surrounding areas, the Perd'e Maura Park is found, rich in typical mountain vegetation, and the rural Gothic-Aragonese style church of San Mauro is also here.

The oldest suburb is Atzara, renowned centre of handicraft production of manufactured articles in wool, such as carpets, and of appreciated wines, above all Cannonau. The town is also home to the Regional Museum of Modern and Contemporary art dedicated to the Spanish painter Anthony Ortiz Echagüe, that stayed here from 1906 to 1909.

The town of Ortueri is also found immersed in uncontaminated nature that preserves remnants of ancient constructions of prehistoric epoch, but above all has a handicraft tradition in the manufacture of cork, and a rich production of wines that can be tasted and purchased also during the Magasinos Apertos, 'wine cellars open to the visitors' event. The town’s name is connected with the preparation of a honey dessert unique in Sardinia, the ‘angule’.
In the surrounding area the Mui Muscas park is found, rich in springs and of exmples of the characteristic Sardinian donkey and some species of wild animals, like wild boars, hares, rabbits and foxes.