The best road cycling routes around Biddaramosa/Vallermosa

Small agricultural and pastoral center in the Iglesiente area, located near Domusnovas.

The evocative Grotta di San Giovanni is a geological and archaeological treasure, as well as the longest vehicle-accessible cave in the world. The cave is accessible from two sides, but the ticket office and information point are located at the main, southern entrance. Entrance is permitted only during cave opening hours. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of visit. You can find all the latest information on the website: https://www.grottasangiovanni.com/.

According to legend, the Acquafredda Castle was built by the Gherardesca family, Counts of Donoratico, when they acquired southeastern Sardinia. In fact, in 1257, the fortress came into the possession of Ugolino of Donoratico, lord of the Cagliarani territory, immortalized by Dante in Canto 23 of the Inferno. However, the castle is older, as it is already mentioned in a papal bull of 1215. After Ugolino's death (1288), it passed into the possession of Pisa, then to the Aragonese (1324), and subsequently to several feudal lords until it was redeemed by Victor Amadeus III (1785). From the top of a mountain, the castle dominates the territory of Siliqua, four kilometers away. Climbing its slopes, the view sweeps from the green valley of the Cixerri to Cagliari, from the Marmilla to the Iglesias area. At dawn and dusk, their shadows extend across the valley.

Iglesiente, the region at the center of the Sardinian mining epic and of which it is the capital, derives its name. It has a population of 27,000 and is the episcopal see and heir to the ancient diocese of Sulcis. Iglesias means "churches" in Spanish. It is no coincidence that in a city with a glorious past, especially under Catalan-Aragonese rule (when it was a royal city), the celebrations surrounding the Good Friday customs stand out, recalling Spanish customs in form and color. The mystery processions on Holy Tuesday and Holy Friday are particularly impressive. Among the churches, the Cathedral of Santa Chiara (dating back to the 13th century), the churches of Madonna delle Grazie, Del Collegio, a Jesuit temple, and San Francesco, one of Sardinia's best-preserved and most important buildings in the Gothic-Catalan style, which houses an altarpiece dating back to 1560, are particularly worth seeing.

With approximately 14,000 inhabitants, Villacidro is one of the main towns in the Medio Campidano region and is located at the foot of the Monte Linas massif, in a green valley surrounded by hills and streams. The town is known for its olive oil, citrus fruits, and cherries, as well as for its strong artisanal and gastronomic traditions. In the historic center, you'll find shops, bars, restaurants, and various accommodation options. Nearby, the Sa Spendula waterfall, one of the town's symbols, and the Canale Serci mine, where tin was mined as far back as the Nuragic era, are worth a visit.

At the foot of the Monte Linas massif, the town of Gonnosfanadiga lies at the transition between the Medio Campidano plain and the first hills of southwestern Sardinia. The area preserves numerous archaeological remains, including nuraghi and Giants' Tombs, such as that of San Cosimo, among the largest on the island. The town, with a population of approximately 6,000, is closely linked to agriculture and craftsmanship: local knives, honey, wine, and oil are famous. Strolling through the town center, you'll notice the centuries-old wells that once served wayfarers and still serve as meeting points for the community. The town has shops, bars, and restaurants, and throughout the year, festivals dedicated to bread, olives, and oil are held.

The Montevecchio Mine is one of the most representative sites of Sardinian industrial archaeology and is part of the UNESCO-recognized Geo-mining Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia. Mining operations, which began in 1848 and ended in 1991, made Montevecchio one of Europe's most important mining centers for lead and zinc production. The complex preserves washeries, shafts, workshops, warehouses, miners' quarters, and the management building with the adjoining church of Santa Barbara. Today, several guided tours are available that illustrate daily life in the mines and the technological evolution of the mining industry. Tours can be booked online at http://www.minieramontevecchio.it/ or at the Geo-mining Park information points.

A great museum to learn about the mining history of Iglesias. There is a large collection of minerals as well as different tools used in mining production.