Marmilla

In the south-western area of the island, in proximity to the Campidano of Cagliari and Oristano, the territory of Marmilla is found, characterised by large flat areas and rolling hills. Its name is surely connected with its fertile land, also recalled by its rounded hills.

Further characterising the territory are the great number of archaeological finds, evident signs that the ancient civilizations living on the island also found this area particularly suitable for human settlement. Thus, it is possible to visit, in the proximities of Barumini, the nuragic complex of Su Nuraxi, brought to light in its entirety after long excavations; then there is the complex of Genna Mària, near the village of Villanovaforru; Sa Domu 'e s’Orcu di Siddi, a giants’ tomb among the most representative in Sardinia of such a sepulchral form.

On the peak of the tallest hill in the zone, stands the castle of Las Plassas, built in the 12th century, which defended the southern border of the judiciary of Arborea, the most long-lived of the four state entities - together with Gallura, Cagliari and Torres - into which Sardinia was divided in medieval times; the castle was declared a National Monument in 1902 and a museum has been set up that offers a detailed description of what life would have been like in this suburb.

The Marmilla is an area of important religious architecture, found for example in the Romanesque Church of Santa Tecla in Barumini, that today houses the finds recovered during the excavations carried out in Su Nuraxi, but it is also known for its craftsmanship (the famous carpets and tapestries of Mògoro), and for its wine production.