Author Archives: yanina

Horse riding tour “Lohana”

Horse riding tour on the Lohana plateau for experienced riders

25 km, 4 hours ride

It is not necessary to go in America to enjoy galloping behind wild horses; that can be done in Sardinian prairies.

The horse ride begins with the crossing of a small part of the town, and then take the road to Foresta Montes. A highlight of this route is Cuccuru ‘and Paza, a mountain located to 1092 m above sea level from where you can admire the mountains of Gennargentu with Punta La Marmora (1833 m above sea level) is the highest peak of Sardinia, and the chain of Supramonte. It continues to Hohosi where there is a ‘picnic area where you pause to eat a picnic lunch, accompanied by an excellent local wine – Cannonau. Taking the ride again towards small lake Steheò and the will take a backway.

Along the way you can see the village nuragico and the Domus de Janas (home of the fairies) in the area Sirilò, evidence of human presence in this area since ancient times; but also observe centuries-old trees of oak and many species of wild and domestic animals grazing wildlife such as wild boar and wild goats.

Time table:

Annualy a daily, in the morning or in the evening

Riding hours:

4 hours on a horseback

Lenth

20 km

Complexity of itinerary:

Medium

Departure from:

Orgosolo (NU)

Transfer to Orgosolo

Shuttle service to Orgosolo can be provided at extra cost

Accompaniment, language:

the excursion must be accompanied by two guides instructors

Languages: Italian, English and Russian

Number of riders:

Groups 1-8 persons

Clothing:

For those who do not have special clothing for riding, must be dressed in long pants, which does not restrict movement. The shoes must be closed with no heel or heel that does not exceed 2-3 cm. The kep should be released from the club.

Esperience level:

Amateur and experienced riders

Horses:

Sardinian mountain horses of pony-class. No using stallions.

Pace:

Pace, trot, gallop

Accoutrements:

English saddles, sport bridles

Price of the excursion

110 EUR for pax

 

Price includes

  • Rent a horse and accoutrements
  • Picnic – lunch with sardinian tipical products
  • Accompaniment by professional guides

Price doesn't include

  • Transfer to Orgosolo


Sirilò – Archaeology of Orgosolo

Horse riding excursion “Sirilò. Journey into prehistoric settlement”

12 km
3 hours ride

If you are interested in antiquity, archeology and history. If you would love to explore remembrance of prehistoric settlements, hidden among dense forests by riding local Sardinian horses, then this trip is for you!

The tour takes place in the wild holly oaks forest, along the mountain called Sirilò. This place was densely populated by people for many centuries; the proof of it are the ruins of a prehistoric city hided in the depth of the forest.
This archaeological site is extremely complex and very interesting: it includes a variety of archaeological monuments belonging to different eras. For instance, the necropolis Domus de Janas, which is located on a rocky mountainside, is referring to the late Neolithic (3400-3200 BC); and the ruins of nuragical settlement with a Nuraghe itself, built on the top of the mountain Sirilò at an altitude of 1135 m above sea level, belongs to the Bronze Age (1800 – 238 BC).
Having tied our horses, we will climb a few meters up on the top of the mountain to rich the ruins of Nuraghe Sirilò. There is almost nothing left of it, only one wall built of medium-sized stones and connected with a rock. In appearance, it resembles remains of a prehistoric house and not a fortress, but local archeologists refute this opinion by referring this construction to the Nuraghe of the later time.
Climbing up to the top, we’ll find ourselves on the viewing point. This place shows us the whole vast territory of Barbagia: in the East, we can admire the massive mountain range of Supramonte, in the South we can see Gennargentu, the highest mountain of Sardinia; there are Olai lake and the town of Fonni in the West; there is the capital of the province – Nuoro in the North. Now it is getting clear for us the fact that the ancient inhabitants chose this place to build a town.
Along the way, we’ll visit other important archeological attractions: Domus de Janas of Usturuthai and the part of a big complex of necropolis of Oreharva.
During almost the whole trip, we will stay in the shade of the holly oak forest at the altitude of 1000 m, so you can enjoy freshness and coolness even in the hottest days of the year.
Technical information:

Time table:

Annualy and daily, in the morning and in the evening

Riding hours:

3 hours on a horseback

Lenth

12 km

Departure from:

Orgosolo (NU)

Transfer to Orgosolo

Shuttle service to Orgosolo can be provided at extra cost

Accompaniment, language:

Accompaniment by professional instructors

Languages: Italian, English and Russian

Number of riders:

Groups 1-8 persons. Non more than 4 beginners in the group!

Clothing:

For those who do not have special clothing for riding, must be dressed in long pants, which does not restrict movement. The shoes must be closed with no heel or heel that does not exceed 2-3 cm. The kep should be released from the club.

Esperience level:

All levels

Horses:

Sardinian mountain horses of pony-class, Sardinian anglo-arabians. No using stallions.

Pace:

Pace, trot

Accoutrements:

English saddles, sport bridles

Price of the excursion

80 EUR

Price includes

  • Rent a horse and accoutrements
  • Accompaniment by professional guides



Day of the Assumption of the Virgin

At the 15th of August in Orgosolo will be a big Feast- the Day of the Assumption

The most important festivity in the town of Orgosolo is The Day of the Assumption of the Virgin which is celebrated every year at the 15th of August.
There are different activities and various programs for children and adults during this holiday’s period, which lasts 10 days, from 13 to 23 August.
The 15th of August after the service in Church of the Assumption of the Virgin which starts at 5 o’clock p.m., takes place the procession with the statue of sleeping Madonna.

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Several men carry the statue of sleeping Madonna

In this procession take part a lot of people dressed in national costumes of Orgosolo.

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Old women of Orgosolo

The female’s costume is very famous. It’s considered as one of the most beautiful and complicated dress in Sardinia. The cost of this suit which is hand-embroidered in natural silk can be over 15 000 euros.

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National costumes of Orgosolo

Numerous horse riders dressed in traditional clothes open this religious procession.

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Riders dressed in traditional costumes for men of Orgosolo

There are 150 – 200 numbers of horses participating in this procession.
Sardinian people pay great attention to the decoration of the horse’s equipment. Most part of the equestrian ammunition is handmade artwork of local artisans.

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Horsemen from Orgosolo

All participants of the cavalcade must be residents of Orgosolo. The participation of nonresident’s people is strictly forbidden.

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Tradition brought up since childhood.

Many of them immediately after the procession participate in “Sa Vardia” crazy race on the asphalt on one of the main streets.

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Photos by

Yanina Antsulevich