Discover the Magic of the Sardinian Traditional Toy: A Journey through Time among History, Culture and Crafts in the Heart of Zeppara.
Ales and Zeppara
The area surrounding the Museo del Giocattolo, located in Zeppara, is steeped in a rich thousand-year history, characterized by a variety of natural landscapes and archaeological sites of great value. Ales, the main municipality, offers breathtaking views from the heights of Mount Arci to the valleys overlooking the Gulf of Oristano. Among the holm-oak forests, ancient necropolis, waterfalls and springs, visitors can explore remains of Roman and Nuragic settlements, admire primeval volcanic formations and learn about the agro-pastoral life that has shaped these lands. Local toponymy, with names that recall plants, animals and ancient human activities, helps keep the memory of the area alive. Zeppara, a hamlet of Ales, retains the charm of a traditional rural village, with traces of ancient Roman dwellings, basins for processing orbace and still unspoiled landscapes, offering visitors a plunge into the most authentic and little-known Sardinia.
Mt. Arch
Mount Arci, with its enchanting landscapes and thousand-year history, hosts one of the most important obsidian deposits in the Mediterranean. This ancient volcano, with its three main peaks – Trebina Longa, Trebina Lada and Corongiu de Sizoa – dominates the plain of Uras, offering breathtaking views and a valuable natural heritage.
One of the most fascinating areas is s’Acqua Frida, located in the territory of Ales, near the Zeppara Museo del Giocattolo. This area is famous for its fresh springs and lush holm oak forests, populated by a rich fauna. Perfect for hiking and nature immersion, s’Acqua Frida is a must-see attraction for those visiting the area, just a short walk from the museum.
Monte Arci is also the heart of the ancient tradition of working obsidian, a precious stone for ancient civilizations, which mined and shaped tools and weapons from it.
Surroundings
The Monte Arci territory, located in the Oristanese region of Italy, covers a vast area of about 270 square kilometers and falls under the jurisdiction of eleven municipalities: Ales, Marrubiu, Masullas, Morgongiori, Palmas Arborea, Pau, Santa Giusta, Siris, Usellus, Villaurbana and Villaverde. Each of these municipalities contributes to the historical, cultural and naturalistic richness of the Mount Arci Regional Park, offering unique experiences to visitors.
Pau
Pau is the municipality known for its obsidian deposits, including Perdas Urias, and is home to the Obsidian Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history and importance of this mineral to ancient prehistoric peoples. Guided tours allow visitors to explore both the history of obsidian processing and the area’s natural quarries.
A Fairy Tale Forest
“A Fairy Tale Forest” is a nature and art trail located in the Monte Arci forest complex in the territory of the municipality of Pau (province of Oristano), in the historic region of Alta Marmilla.
This pathway hosts wooden installations inspired by “land art,” which symbolically represent the animals of a forest, without being limited exclusively to those typical of Sardinian forests.
The project came to life in the spring of 2022 thanks to the Menabò Cultural Association and the Obsidian Museum. The itinerary develops in part along the Obsidian Trail, starting from the Sennixeddu pine forest and immersing itself in an environment characterized by holm oaks, Mediterranean scrub, volcanic rocks, obsidian fragments, basalt walls and natural cavities.
The route invites exploration: some installations are not immediately visible, offering visitors the opportunity for an adventurous experience in the woods. For those who want accompaniment, local environmental hiking guides and operators of the Pau CEAS and Obsidian Museum are available.
Masullas
In the municipality of Masullas, there is the GeoMuseo Monte Arci, an exhibit that tells the geological history of the mountain and the volcanic processes that formed its landscape. The surrounding area is known for the obsidian deposit of Roja Cannas, a processing center of great historical importance.
Morgongiori
Morgongiori is another municipality rich in history and archaeology, famous for the Domu de is Coambus cave sanctuary, a fascinating religious site. Beyond that, the surrounding hills offer spectacular views, with hikes leading through unspoiled natural landscapes.
Villaverde
Villaverde is home to the Nuraghe Brunk’e s’Omu, one of the main Nuragic monuments in the area, which tells of the presence of ancient Sardinian civilizations in this territory. This nuraghe is surrounded by dense Mediterranean vegetation, typical of Mt. Arci.
Siris and Usellus
These two municipalities preserve ancient trails that cross the mountain, linking obsidian mining and processing sites. Su Forru de is Sintzurreddus and the Santa Luxia plateau in Usellus are among the most important sites for obsidian processing, which can be visited through guided hikes.
Marrubiu, Palmas Arborea, Santa Giusta, Villaurbana
These municipalities, located on the edge of Mount Arci, offer access to various natural and wooded areas, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. They are particularly appreciated for their tranquility and for the trails that pass through forests of holm oaks, cork oaks and Mediterranean scrub.
In each municipality, the history of Mount Arci is intertwined with local culture, creating an area rich in charm and historical significance, perfect for those who want to explore Sardinia’s prehistoric past and its natural wonders.
Genoni and the Giara plateau
The municipality of Genoni, located in the heart of Sardinia, offers a unique combination of natural landscapes and cultural treasures. Dominated by the Giara Plateau, known for its breathtaking views and Giara horses, this area represents a perfect harmony between nature and history.
Worth seeing in Genoni
- PARC – Paleo Archeo Center: Museum dedicated to paleontology and archaeology, where you can explore the geological and cultural history of Sardinia through unique fossils and archaeological finds.
- Giara Horse Museum: A tribute to the symbol of the plateau, the Giara horses. This museum tells their history, biological peculiarities and connection with the territory.
- Duidduru Fossiliferous Quarry.: An extraordinary paleontological site that preserves fossil remains dating back to the Miocene, a unique opportunity to learn more about the prehistoric history of the area.
- Former Convent of the Observant Friars: A former convent converted into a cultural center, ideal for exhibitions and events.
Giara Plateau: a natural paradise
The Giara Plateau stretches across striking landscapes, rich in holm oaks, Mediterranean scrub and ephemeral lakes called paulis. This unique environment is perfect for hiking, nature observation and discovering amazing biodiversity.
For visiting sites in the Municipality of Genoni and the Municipality of Ales, it is also possible to have combined proposals of one or more days.
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