ArcheoTrek - Festa Manna di Gaddura 2018

ArcheoTrek is a short hike to the stazzo, the mountain, the castle and the church of San Leonardo di Balajana, organized by the Municipal Tourist Office and guided by archaeologists and art historians of the University of Cagliari.

The archaeological site

From an important medieval document we know that in 1146 the four Sardinian sovereigns and the archbishop of Pisa, delegated by the pope, gathered near Oristano to resolve a dispute between the Judge of Gallura Gosantine and the sons of his predecessor Comita Spanu for possession of "su castellu de Balaianu". The remains of the castle, partially restored, are located at the top of Mount San Leonardo, in the heart of the splendid agricultural region still called Balajana. Not far away, the tiny Romanesque church of San Leonardo, which probably served as the chapel of the fortified complex, is a rare example of a Romanesque cult building in Gallura. Situated in a panoramic position and of great suggestion for the beauty of the plants and the granite carpeted with lichens, as well as for the historical importance of the area, frequented from the Neolithic to the Nuragic age and then up to the Middle Ages and beyond. The only opening of the church is the small entrance door in juniper wood. The interior, barely illuminated by the cruciform window, is simple and unadorned.

The excursion

You start from the square of the basilica of Luogosanto with your own car or requesting a lift. The ascent of the mountain is short (300 meters) but steep (100 meters in altitude) and therefore requires good physical condition, a supply of water and suitable footwear. Once at the top, the students and researchers of the University of Cagliari will briefly illustrate the history and architecture of the castle, the church and the "curatoria" of Balajana, the administrative area of ​​the Giudicato di Gallura of which the castle was the fulcrum. You will go up to the mountain from lu caminu ’èccju, the original path, in private property, and you will descend from the tourist path (the recovery of the cars will be organized at the starting point).

Participation is free. It is advisable to book at one of these addresses: [email protected], Facebook: @LuogosantoTouristOffice, 079.60.18.959.

Translated with Google Translate