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WHAT TO SEE
There are several historical and artistic sites in the Ogliastra area; there are also many archaeological sites which bear witness to an ancient past.
Archeology
The whole area is dotted with prehistoric remains, including menhirs, “domus de janas” (the so-called fairy tombs), nuragic villages, nuraghe towers, and “tombe dei giganti” (the so-called giant tombs).
The archaeological sites can usually be reached via secondary or unsurfaced roads, from the local villages or towns.
- One of the most important sites is the Medieval “Castello di Medusa” at Lotzorai, which dates from the “giudicale” period (XIII century).
- Only a short distance away, at Santa Maria Navarrese, there is an XI century church, although the original structure has been changed in later periods.
- In some of the most accessible landing-places along the coastline, for example in Santa Maria Navarrese and Barisardo, there are some Spanish watchtowers.
There are several churches of historical interest, including:
- the eighteenth century parish church of Barisardo
- the Baroque-style church of Saint Andrew (Sant’Andrea) in Tortolì
- the seventeenth century church at Baunei.
- Much smaller, countryside churches (photo: Baunei-San Pietro al Golgo; M. Vacca) are common in Ogliastra – these holy shrines blend perfectly with the natural surroundings, and become welcoming locations during local festivals.