La Nuova Sardegna

The megalithic complex of Mote Baranta dating back to the Copper Age, in particular to the Monte Claro culture, is the most famous symbol of its territory. The territory of Olmedo (S'Ulumedu in Sardinian logudorese) preserves important traces of Sardinia's prehistoric culture.

Olmedo has become increasingly important in recent years, so much so that its population has increased exponentially. It is situated in a strategic position, in the northwest of the island in the centre between Alghero, Sassari and Porto Torres, 12 kilometres from Alghero airport and 30 kilometres from the port of Porto Torres. According to Istat data, in the last twenty years Olmedo has gone from a population of 2,851 residents in 2002 to 4,235 just about a month ago. Another plus point is the railway connection that passes through the centre of the town, not to mention the four-lane road Sassari-Alghero. The flat landscape is alternated with hilly ones, until the plateau of Sos Pianos in the eastern sector becomes flat again. This is where we find the highest altitudes, with the 236 metres of Monte Rosso and the 238 metres of the Pischina Manna plateau, from which a large part of the Nurra plain, the Gulf of Asinara and the Alghero roadstead can be seen with the imposing promontory of Capo Caccia in the background. In addition to traditional economic activities related to livestock breeding and agriculture, Olmedo is an important mining centre with the only mine still active in Sardinia, where bauxite is extracted.

'Olmedo,' Mayor Toni Faedda proudly pointed out, 'is, in fact, the gateway to tourism for the Coros municipalities, especially for tourists arriving from Alghero and the Coral Riviera, who want to get to know the Sardinian hinterland with its history and culture'. Olmedo is a compulsory stop to get to know Monte Baranta from close up, a pre-Nuragic settlement characterised and protected by a tower-fence and a long, mighty wall. The latter encloses a group of quadrangular huts and separates them from a sacred area with menhirs and a megalithic circle. In the area, a large settlement extends towards the north, with other structures scattered among the vegetation. Moreover, it is precisely at Monte Baranta that this Saturday starting at 7pm, will take place the sixth edition of the Festival delle Bellezze 'Tra la pietra e il canto' (Between stone and song), with a concert by the Eufonia choir of Gavoi, directed by maestro Mauro Lisei, with the participation of the student choir of the city of Sassari. Other 'Pearls of Coros' to visit in Olmedo include the splendid Romanesque church of Nostra Signora di Talia, dating back to the 12th century.

In ancient times, the church was dedicated to Santa Maria di Ulumetum, when the village of Ulumetum was the seat of the homonymous curatoria of the Giudicato of Torres. The many nuraghi in the area, including the Mannu nuraghe and the Masala nuraghe are also of great interest. In addition to the area's historical and natural beauty, the town of Olmedo also offers excellent food and wine (the Olmedo bread is very famous and appreciated).

A lively town where, for tourists and residents alike, there is no shortage of entertainment events linked to the tradition of Sardinian folklore. Among those scheduled soon and in addition to Saturday's event at Monte Baranta, it is important to note 'S'Ulumedu in traditzione', which will take place on 15 July with the bread exhibition, organised by the Olmedo Proloco. Then there will be a folk show with the presence of various groups (NS di Talia Olmedo, San Giorgio Usini, Campidanesas folk Oristano and Coro Logudoro), the cantadores (Sotgiu, Spina, Pes, Licheri, Verdi and Cubeddu) and the launeddas of Fabio Melis.