THE ‘TRENINO VERDE’>FROM ISILI TO SORGONO

>THE  ISILI – SORGONO  LINE
A typical mountain railway, it goes through a harsh, wild area along a winding route with numerous bridges and tunnels.
It crosses western Barbagia, in the midst of the centuries-old chestnuts and holm oaks of Tonara and Aritzo.
One hundred years ago, this line was the first link between one of the most isolated regions in the Sardinian interior and the outside world. In any case, the landscape has changed very little since the time of D.H.Lawrence’s Sea and Sardinia.

>ALONG  THE  WAY

• Laconi
  A town in the Sarcidano, home of St Ignatius, it is the site of the Aymerich family castle, with a splendid 35-hectare park with waterfalls and centuries-old trees like holm oaks, English oaks, cedars of Lebanon, etc. The Menhir Museum is extremely interesting.
• Is Paras Nuraghe
  Near Isili and visible from the train, it is one of the best-preserved on the island, with its internal mock-dome vault (tholos) still intact.
• Nolza Nuraghe
  Just before the station at Meana Sarda, 100 m from the line, what is the largest mountain nuraghe is now being excavated and brought to light.

Towns  Passed  Through
Isili, Nurallao, Laconi, Meana Sarda, Belvì, Aritzo, Desulo, Tonara, Sorgono

>TAKING  THE  TRAIN

• From Isili
  Coming from southern Sardinia, it is best to board the train at Isili (NU), a town in the Sarcidano about 70 km from Cagliari.
  By car, take SS.131 from Cagliari to the exit for Villasanta and go towards Furtei; then take SS.197 to 3.5 km after Nuragus and turn right. The station is on SS.128, near Mandas.
  From Cagliari you can also take a “normal” train to Isili and then the Trenino Verde.
• From Sorgono
  Coming from northern Sardinia, it is best to board the train at Sorgono.
  Sorgono (NU) is a town in the Mandrolisai about 70 km from Nuoro.
  By car from Nuoro, take SS.389 for Fonni. In Fonni, go towards Ovodda, go through the town, then through Tiana and you will come to Sorgono.

TIMETABLE
(from June 15 to September 15; on request by min. 25 pax. at least 5 days before)

FARES

Notes:
*only on Sundays

>WHO TO CONTACT
–Ufficio Turistico, toll free number 800460220– tel/fax 070580246
–Stations: Mandas 070984234; Isili 0782802033; Sorgono 078460169