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Comune in Sardinia, Italy
Photo: Angelo Perria, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Cuglieri is a town in Sardinia in the province of Oristano.
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The basilica's façade was erected between 1912 and 1913, following the extension of the nave, which included the addition of an atrium and the choir loft above. The façade is framed by twin bell towers topped by pyramidal spires and is divided into two tiers by a cornice supported by pilasters and composite capitals. The lower tier features a central pointed-arch portal, flanked by two marble bas-reliefs by the sculptor Giovanni Benvenuto da Pietrasanta, which illustrate the arrival of the statue of the Virgin on the Bardosu hill and the miracle of the lightning strike that left the statue unharmed in 1824. The upper tier features three neo-Gothic mullioned windows and is surmounted by a small terrace, dominated by a curvilinear gable adorned with a niche containing an image of the Madonna. The basilica is crowned by a large octagonal dome.
:The interior of the basilica has a single nave, with a barrel vault and four chapels on each side, decorated with stucco, various marble furnishings in Baroque style and paintings by the Parma artist Emilio Scherer (also the author of the pictorial decoration in the cathedral of Bosa), made in 1893. In the mid-twentieth century the church underwent extensive restoration work on the initiative of the Archpriest Giovanni Pes, due to the excessive deterioration of the interior and the reconstruction of large sections of walls that threatened to collapse. This was followed by the replacement of Scherer's paintings with a new decorative program by the Cuglieri painter Pietro Collu, only partially completed, whose four canvases that decorate the inside of the dome's drum depict: "The Finding of the Madonna on the beach of Santa Caterina di Pittinuri", "The Arrival at Monte Bardosu", "The Procession and the Madonna della Neve enthroned surrounded by the illustrious Cuglieri citizens" (il Ritrovamento della Madonna sulla spiaggia di Santa Caterina di Pittinuri, l'Arrivo a Monte Bardosu, la Processione e la Madonna della Neve in trono circondata dagli illustri cuglieritani) and in the two The nave features pendentives frontal to the nave with the Evangelists Matthew and John. The presbytery, surmounted by a dome, is raised and enclosed by a marble balustrade, supported by statues of two lions on either side of the central staircase. In front of the balustrade are marble statues of Saints John the Evangelist and Paul by the sculptor Giuseppe Sartorio. The deep apse houses the high altar, also made of marble, in Baroque style, and a wooden choir. The ancient and venerated statue of the Madonna della Neve, made of painted stone, is of particular value.
Dating from the period between the 17th and 19th centuries.
Santa Croce
The church features a rose window on the façade and two small bell towers, one of which has a bell.
:Inside, it has a Greek cross plan, crowned by a dome in the center. The walls are frescoed with drawings and inscriptions in Latin. Two Baroque-style altars in polychrome marble, inspired by the high altar of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Cagliari, remain.
:The church houses a large crucifix on the high altar, as well as statues of the Risen Christ and the Madonna (carried in procession at Easter), Saint Anthony the Abbot, Saint Silvana and the Magdalene (carried in procession during Holy Week), and Saint Victoria.
:During Holy Week, one of the six tombs of Cuglieri is set up on the church's high altar.
Madonna delle Grazie
It is one of the churches in Cuglieri involved in the Holy Week rites. It houses the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows (patron saint of the archconfraternity of the same name), as well as the statue of Christ on the Cross, the crosses ("Sa Rughe Maistra" and "Sa Cuntrarughe") with hammers and tongs, the ladders, and the "Sa Littèra" (the stretcher).
Chiesa del Carmelo
This church is mentioned in some 17th-century documents under the name of the Church of Sant'Urbano. Since November 13, 1702, with a papal bull issued by Pope Clement XI, the church has been known as the Beata Vergine del Carmelo. The church features a window and a bell tower on the façade. During celebrations, an electric letter M is placed in the church window and lit in the evening. At the end of October 2015, the church's bell tower was damaged by lightning during a storm, causing the plaster to fall to the ground. The bell tower is still missing today.
Sant'Antioco
Dating back to the 17th century, it comprises a chapel, a presbytery, and an apse containing an 18th-century stucco altar; the latter features four small columns and an exquisite crowning element—adorned with vases and floral garlands—that embellishes the niche housing the saint's statue.
Sant'Antonio da Padova
Dating back to the 17th century, the church has a single nave. There are three chapels: the first houses a 17th-century wooden crucifix, the central one is dedicated to Saint Anthony, and the third is dedicated to Saint Jerome.
San Giovanni
Dating back to the early 14th century, it underwent renovation in the early 19th century.
La Madonnina
Dedicated to Saint Mary of the Snows.
Casa di Mimmia e Tommasina
An old 19th-century house with a typical stone structure, barrel and cross vaults. Inside (occasionally open) are original furnishings and utensils, as well as photos and books chronicling the family's history. Occasional performances are held in the cellar on the ground floor.
Museum dedicated to understanding the various stages of olive processing for oil production.
Private museum dedicated to hand-loom making.
The former Capuchin convent is spread over two floors: the ground floor houses the cloister, with a central cistern and bordered on two sides by massive pillars topped with limestone capitals, which support the cross vaults of the porticoes, and the old barrel-vaulted refectory. The upper floor houses the archaeological museum.
Dedicated to the war dead.
Originally Nuragic springs carved into basalt rock, they later became a washing place. The water is potable; you can drink it.
Ancient prehistoric tombs carved into trachyte, dating back to the Neolithic period.
Montiferru castle
Ruins of an ancient castle, limited to the remains of towers, wall facings, and underground rooms likely serving as cisterns. The castle, with its elongated layout, enclosed a series of rooms within its walls, traces of which remain at the foundation level, but their functions are unknown. From here you can also enjoy the view towards Cuglieri, the sea and the mountains.
S'Istrampu de Massabari
A natural waterfall located in the midst of a dense forest at the bottom of a gorge in the Rio S'Abba Lughida valley. It is 9 m high, has a single drop, and a small lake lies beneath it. The water flow is active year-round but decreases during the summer. It is also possible to swim and fish the river trout.
S'Istrampu de Cabu Nieddu
The waterfall is formed by the Riu Salighes and plunges into the sea with a drop of about 40 meters, near the Spanish coastal tower of Capo Nieddu. Below it is a small lake.
S'Iscala 'e Cherbos, Istrampu de Iscala de S'Atentu
The waterfall, active during the rainy season, is divided into two drops: the first, about 6 meters high, plunges into a small lake, and the second, at least 30 meters high, starts from the lake and plunges into the sea.
In addition to the cloister and theatre, on special occasions you can visit the seminary park, where you can find the ceramic Stations of the Cross, several plaster sculptures depicting the praying Jesus and the Angel of Comfort, the Crucifix, the Pietà, the Sepulchre, and the Statue of the Redeemer, located at the top and offering a panoramic view of the town and the sea in the distance. The latter is reached by climbing several steps through the park. The chapel, accessed through the cloister, is also open to visitors on special occasions. Several paintings can be admired here, but for safety reasons, the chapel can only be viewed from the entrance and cannot go beyond the safety tape as it is unsafe. The seminary also has a room where temporary exhibitions are held. Concerts and events are also held there (see "Do").
Wild Olive of Sa Tanca Manna
A centuries-old tree. It was 16.5 metres tall and was almost completely destroyed by the fire that hit Montiferru on the night of July 24-25, 2021. Today, the remains of the tree and the growing shoots can be seen from a distance. Do not enter the area; access is prohibited and it is monitored by cameras.
A photography studio that organises creative photography experiences and vacations in various parts of Sardinia, as well as cyanotopia workshops. Both activities allow you to explore photographic and artistic techniques and learn about the Sardinian region.
An artistic space offering workshops in color harmony, life drawing, clay magic, portraits, interior decoration, murals, and minor restoration.
Centro Spiritualità Giovani, Casa SS. Annunziata
The Youth Spirituality Center offers activities and initiatives for the human and Christian formation of young people, such as meetings on various topics, school camps, and youth missions. It features a chapel, a meeting room, and a courtyard.
See the matches between Cuglieri and other minor teams.
The main bonfire of Saint Anthony takes place in Santa Croce Square (Piazza Santa Croce) on 17th January, but other bonfires are lit in other parts of the town. On 19th January, the bonfire in honor of Saint Sebastian takes place in Fra Paolo Perria Square (Piazza Fra Paolo Perria).
March or April. Holy Mass of the Lord's Supper is celebrated on Holy Thursday. The Holy Week liturgies begin in the Basilica. This is followed by the Procession of Sas Chilcas, the search for Jesus through the streets of the town and in the churches where the tombs are located.
Sant'Imbenia
29-30 April. On April 29th, the procession takes place with pilgrims departing from Cuglieri, arriving after about 4 km at the church of Sant'Imbenia and returns to Cuglieri the following day.
San Giuseppe Lavoratore
1st May at the homonymous church.
Santa Caterina di Alessandria
Second Sunday of May. Pilgrimage from Cuglieri to Santa Caterina di Pittinuri, about 12 km long, returning to Cuglieri the next day. The religious rites are followed by civil celebrations.
In May or early June. Open to the public with guided tours of the churches, museums, archaeological sites, and the former Regional Seminary of Cuglieri. The program also includes guided tours, temporary exhibitions, and musical concerts.
Sant'Antonio da Padova
On the afternoon of 13th June, the procession featuring the statue of the Saint takes place through the streets of the town.
San Giovanni
23rd-24th June. On the evening of June 23rd, the S'abba Muda ritual takes place, during which people set out on foot from the Saint John the Baptist church, remaining silent and without looking back for the entire journey. Upon reaching the Tiu Memmere springs (lit by candles for the occasion), they touch the water and then return to the church, still in silence. On June 24th, a procession from the church takes place through the streets of the historic center on horseback, before returning to the church.
Madonna del Carmelo
15th-16th July. On 16th July, the procession featuring the statue of the Virgin takes place through the streets of the town.
Craft exhibition and tasting of panadas and typical Sardinian products from morning until night. In the evening, a musical concert.
From 4th to 7th August. The town's patron saint's day. The religious rites are followed by civic celebrations. From August 4th to 6th, there are live concerts in Fra Paolo Perria Square (Piazza Fra Paolo Perria) or in the cloister of the former regional seminary. On August 5th, there are fireworks visible from all of Cuglieri and the surrounding area. On the morning of August 7th, the statue of the Madonna is carried in procession to the "La Madonnina" chapel on a cart pulled by a pair of oxen, where Mass is celebrated. Refreshments are then provided by the organizers of the festivities. In the evening, the statue returns in procession, again on a cart pulled by a pair of oxen. Upon arrival at the Basilica, a cascade of fireworks takes place, followed by Mass in the Basilica.
San Lorenzo
9th-10th August. Country festival at the homonymous country church with live music and a buffet dinner provided by the organizers of the celebrations.
In August. Exhibition of traditional products and crafts in the Crabola neighborhood. It has been held since 2017.
San Filippo Benizi
23rd August. Santu Tilippu bread (Pane de Santu Tilippu) is a small unleavened bread, prepared on August 23rd for the feast of Saint Philip Benizi, a friar who lived in Tuscany in the 13th century and belonged to the order of the Servants of Mary; the cult of Saint Philip arrived in Cuglieri in the first half of the 16th century.
Madonna delle Grazie
From 7th to 9th September. The religious rites are followed by civil celebrations with live concerts in Ampsicora Square (Piazza Ampsicora).
18th September. Departure at 00:00 of the procession from Piazza Seminario, travel along the SP 19 Cuglieri-Santu Lussurgiu, then, having arrived in Santu Lussurgiu, travel along the SP 15 to Bonarcado and then arrive at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonacatu (Nostra Signora di Bonacatu) at 6:00. About 30km. Upon arrival, welcome of pilgrims in the church
San Francesco d'Assisi
4th October.
Scenic representation of the Nativity through the streets of the historic center of the town.
Third Sunday of December.
Local cuisine.
Bar, café, pastry shop and bakery.
Artisanal ice cream, snack bar and café.
Bridge
A café and snack bar. It has a tree-lined outdoor garden and offers football matches.
The facility offers room and board. It has three double rooms and one single room.
This agritourism serves traditional local products grown on site. The agriturismo offers rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and heating, as well as studio apartments with kitchenettes and separate bedrooms. All have a terrace or private area with a table, chairs, and umbrella, allowing you to gaze out to sea and immerse yourself in nature. There are also outdoor play areas for children.
Cuglieri DOP olive oil, organic, fruity, and classic, olives and preserves, and herbal teas. You can also sample the oil with Carasau bread and bruschetta. They also sell cosmetics such as cleansing milk, various creams (eye creams, moisturizing face creams and creams for sensitive skin, wrinkle creams, body creams, hand creams, and foot creams), aftershave emulsions, lip balms, massage oils, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, vegetable soaps, sunscreens, and after-sun lotions.
Guided tours are also available to discover the entire production process. You can also taste the oil.
Traditional Sardinian sweets and panadas from Cuglieri.
They sell various types of chocolate, as well as semifreddo and artisanal ice cream: trays of filled chocolates, gift boxes of classic and assorted artisanal chocolates, boxes of 30 or 12 assorted Valentine's Day chocolates, chocolate bars in various flavors, round chocolate bars studded with Smarties, salted caramel and chocolate cereals, chocolate spreads in various flavours, nocciolato discs with Piedmont hazelnuts, delicious bags of various flavours (cocoa or coconut truffles, jellies in various flavors, chocolate-covered candied orange peel), bags containing chocolate eggs, chocolate eggs with various decorations, chicks, bunnies, bells, and chickens in milk or dark chocolate, cakes, and semifreddo desserts. They also prepare artisanal ice creams to be enjoyed on the go or at the tables set up a few meters from the chocolate shop during the summer months (please note that table service is not available). We also sell cups and dolls with chocolates.
Cheese shop.
Gastronomy and rotisserie.
Fruits and vegetables.
Shop selling Sardinian crafts, souvenirs, and toys. Photocopies and passport photos are also available.
Goldsmiths, watches, silverware, gift items and party favors.
Here you will find a wide selection of beers, white and red wines, sparkling wines and spirits of all kinds.
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Alghero · Regional · AHO
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