Iglesias: itinerary to discover churches and sanctuaries
Iglesias translated from Spanish means “churches,” and this is no coincidence. The city actually has 24 parishes. The numerous churches can be grouped based on the historical periods in which they were built. Among the oldest, built according to the sacred Byzantine architecture, we remember the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate dating back to the 10th-11th century and the Church of Santo Salvatore whose construction can be traced back to the period between the 9th and 11th centuries. Among the churches of Pisan origin, the Church of Beata Vergine Maria di Valverde stands out, which, like the Cathedral of Santa Chiara, shows Roman architecture. They are followed by the Church of Nostra Signora delle Grazie and the Cathedral of Santa Chiara, the first Christian cathedral in the world dedicated to Chiara d’Assisi and a testimony of the transition from Roman to Gothic architecture. Iglesias boasts a glorious past, especially during the Catalan-Aragonese domination, whose traditions are still vivid during the Holy Week. During that period, between the 14th century and the beginning of the 17th century, numerous churches were built, including the Church of San Francesco, the Church of San Michele, that of San Domenico, and the Church of San Giuseppe. The Church of Vergine Purissima was built, which represents the only example of a church in the city built according to the architectural canons of the Counter-Reformation. Around the 1630s, the Sanctuary of Vergine del Buon Cammino was built, which today is part of the first stage of the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Mining Path).
Events in Iglesias: immerse yourself in the city’s culture
There are numerous sports, cultural, musical, artistic, or religious events held in the characteristic medieval streets and squares of Iglesias throughout the year. Holy week The rites during Holy Week in Iglesiente are certainly among the most suggestive in Sardinia. The processions take place from Tuesday to Friday preceding Easter. Hypnotic and engaging, the city serves as a backdrop for the processions. Holy Tuesday: Procession of the Mysteries The cross of the Archconfraternity opens this procession, the oldest one with that of the descent: the procession of the Mysteries. The Baballotti carry the simulacra on their shoulders, the first of which is particularly heavy and requires several days of preparation on the Holy Mountain. Only two children, in the traditional penitential dress of the Baballotti, participate; they will represent St. John and Mary Magdalene in the procession of the descent on Good Friday. The other children are not included from this procession: their days will be Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Holy Thursday: Procession of the Sorrowful Mother It’s one of the most important days: it commemorates the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, the priesthood; the beginning of the Passion of Jesus. It’s a day rich in events and meanings: two Masses mark the rhythm of this long day: in the morning the Chrism Mass and in the evening the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Afterward, in all the churches, the Blessed Sacrament is solemnly placed in a richly decorated side chapel. The decoration, in addition to veils, carpets, flowers, and candles, includes “Su Nenniri”: pots in which wheat and lentils are sown at the beginning of Lent. The “Baballottis” are the protagonists of Holy Week: white, hooded, without a face and without time, they materialize on this day; of all ages, some still in their mother’s arms, some already grandfathers for a long time. They take over the streets of the historic center before the processions. In the late evening, the procession of the Sorrowful Mother sets off from the Oratory of the Holy Mount, the Church of San Michele. Good Friday: Procession of the Mount and Procession of the Descent In the morning, the upper district of “Sa Costera” becomes the stage for the procession of the Mount, the ascent to Calvary. The “Via Dolorosa” features the simulacrum of Jesus with the cross and that of the Sorrowful Mother accompanying him. The various churches are visited with a procession composed of: “matracconis,” a drum, the cross of the Archconfraternity, Baballotti, the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, simulacra, and the Germani of the Holy Mount preceding the statue of the Virgin of Piety. In the evening, the most anticipated procession takes place, that of the Descent. During the procession, the simulacrum of the Dead Jesus is carried covered by a veil of tulle and under a white canopy signifying royalty. The Germani of the Holy Mount is followed by the Sorrowful Mother holding the crown of thorns to her chest; then finally, the large black cross carried on the shoulders of penitents without attire or special sign. Celebration of Sancta Maria di Mezo Gosto: Descent of the Candelieri The great historical tradition of the Celebration of Sancta Maria di Mezo Gosto (Mid-August), with the participation of the Candelieri, began to take form in 1992, when the column of what had been a Candelieri was found in a small room near the Capitolium Hall. This was skillfully restored by a craftsman from Iglesias and placed in the Candelieri of the Santa Chiara district from which it probably originated. Iglesias has eight Candelieri. In the “Breve,” three chapters are dedicated to the Celebration of Sancta Maria di Mezo Gosto with various rules to observe, among which one is related to the release of prisoners, men and women, on the day of the Assumption of the Virgin. The candles were so large that they remained lit for an entire year and no one could take them down, under penalty of having to pay 10 pounds of small alfonsini. The candelieri are four meters tall and require 16-20 people for transportation. Ottobrata iglesiente Every year, in October, the city comes to life thanks to the Ottobrata Iglesiente. A rich showcase of events dedicated to citizens and visitors of all ages. A month of numerous cultural events, such as literary contests and book presentations; entertainment and spectacle with musical concerts, theatrical performances, and shows for children; but also sports events such as climbing and athletics. There are also events dedicated to tradition, such as workshops on bread and pasta or embroidery. An excellent opportunity to get to know the city, its history, and its customs. Medieval events Every year, in August, the Society of Medieval Quarters Villa Ecclesiae together with the Municipality of Iglesias take care of the organization of the Historical Medieval Parade. A unique show in which men, women, and children parade in medieval costumes. The parade takes place through the streets of the historic center of the city accompanied by drums and trumpets. At the end of the parade, the Crossbow Tournament takes place, which recalls the siege suffered by the city in the 14th century by Alfonso V of Aragon. Celebration of Madonna delle Grazie The Celebration of Madonna delle Grazie is celebrated on the second Sunday of July every year. During the Eucharistic celebration, the Mayor of Iglesias on behalf of the Municipality and the Iglesiente people renews the ancient vow to the Madonna by rereading the Supplication and offering a candle as a thanksgiving for the liberation from the voracious locusts that for twenty years had devastated the fields, flagellating a population already affected by drought and plague.
Cammino of Santa Barbara: all the stages
The Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Mining Path) is a religious and cultural itinerary that spans about 500 km along the southwestern part of Sardinia, in the Sulcis-Iglesiente-Guspinese region. The spiritual journey crosses sea, mountains, and mines, following the glorious mining past of Sardinia. A consistent presence along the path are the churches dedicated to the worship of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners. The itinerary is divided into 30 stages, each about 16 km long, and almost 75% of the journey is on footpaths, mule tracks, dirt roads, and unpaved driveways, while the remaining 25% is on paved roads in urban centers and short rural stretches. The journey starts from the city of Iglesias, and after covering the 500 km path, returns to the same city. The altitude ranges from sea level to an elevation of 900 meters in the Marganai mountain range, and during the journey, there are opportunities to visit the numerous mining sites that have made history in the area. The stages: Stage 01 – From Iglesias to Nebida Stage 02 – From Nebida to Masua Stage 03 – From Masua to Buggerru Stage 04 – From Buggerru to Portixeddu Stage 05 – From Portixeddu to Piscinas Stage 06 – From Piscinas to Montevecchio Stage 07 – From Montevecchio to Arbus Stage 08 – From Arbus to Perd’e Pibera Stage 09 – From Perd’e Pibera to Villacidro Stage 10 – From Villacidro to Monti Mannu Stage 11 – From Monti Mannu to Arenas Stage 12 – From Arenas to Su Mannau Stage 13 – From Su Mannau to San Benedetto Stage 14 – From San Benedetto to Marganai Stage 15 – From Case Marganai to Domusnovas – Museums Stage 16 – From Musei to Orbai Stage 17 – From Orbai to Rosas Stage 18 – From Rosas to Nuxis Stage 19 – From Nuxis to Santadi Stage 20 – From Santadi to Is Zuddas Stage 21 – From Is Zuddas to Masainas Stage 22 – From Masainas to Candiani Stage 23 – From Candiani to Tratalias Stage 24 – From Tratalias to Sant’Antioco Stage 25 – From Sant’Antioco to Carbonia Stage 26 – From Carbonia to Nuraxi Figus Stage 27 – From Nuraxi Figus to Carloforte Stage 28 – From Carloforte to Portoscuso Stage 29 – From Portoscuso to Bacu Abis Stage 30 – From Bacu Abis to Iglesias
The old town of Iglesias: guide to its main attractions
Iglesias is a pleasant and peaceful town, its historic center is rich in attractions related to its history. Not everyone knows that the history of Iglesias is intertwined with that of Count Ugolino della Gherardesca, a historical figure and character in Dante’s Divina Commedia. The territory was assigned to the count in the second half of the 1200s and, thanks to his noble family, numerous buildings, both religious and secular, were built that still dominate the city today. These include the Salvaterra Castle, the Cathedral of Santa Chiara, and the Church of Beata Vergine Maria di Valverde. Visiting Iglesias means coming across the medieval walls, built by the Pisans between the 13th and 14th centuries. The ancient walls run along the historic center, including the Castle, Fountain, Saint Clare, and Mezo neighborhoods. The best-preserved part is the northern one. Inside the walls, the historic center extends, the scene of lively city life: Piazza Lamarmora, dominated by the statue of Maimone, a Phoenician deity, probably linked to the cult of water, from there along Via Sarcidano and Vico Duomo, you reach Piazza del Municipio. Here stand the impressive monuments of the City Palace and the Cathedral of Santa Chiara united by a gallery to the Bishop’s Palace, the result of various renovations carried out between 1763 and 1782. Continuing on Via della Decima, you arrive at Via Angioy, where the old prisons stand, now the Municipal Historical Archive and the custody place of the ancient city statute. Continuing the walk, you cross Via Lamarmora, a lively commercial street filled with Liberty-style buildings, proof of the economic prosperity that characterized the city in the early 1900s. Just outside the walls is Piazza Sella, considered by all Iglesients to be the focal spot of the city, the magnificent Istituto Minerario (Mining Institute), and the suggestive Monumental Cemetery.
Iglesias for everyone: children, seniors, and disabled
Iglesias is a city for everyone. The numerous activities and attractions allow for an unforgettable vacation tailored to individual needs. Activities for children Iglesias is the perfect city for those traveling with children. Thanks to its museums, mining sites, and natural parks, they can learn and have fun at the same time. Porto Flavia is an excellent example of how they can learn about the mining history of Sardinia; the view of the sea will certainly leave them speechless. A very suggestive visit, both for adults and children, is the visit to Grotta Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Cave): inside, dark brown tabular barite crystals cover the walls. To conclude, a must-see of the trip, the Parco del Marganai (Marganai Natural Park), inside which there are playgrounds for children and a botanical garden to discover the characteristics of the plants that grow in this territory. Activities for seniors Even senior citizens can enjoy the city and plan their vacation. The historic center of Iglesias offers many opportunities for those who want to spend peaceful days. Don’t miss out on Piazza Lamarmora and Piazza Sella, meeting places for the people of Iglesias and visitors to the city. The tour of the churches of Iglesias is very interesting, starting from the Cathedral of Santa Chiara, the first cathedral in the world dedicated to Saint Claire of Assisi, and then moving on to churches from the Pisan period such as the Church of Nostra Signora delle Grazie, and churches from the Catalan-Aragonese period such as the San Francesco one. Activities for people with disabilities There are many activities and attractions that people with disabilities can visit. We recall the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Chiara in Piazza Municipio, the Galleria Villamarina (Villamarina Gallery), the Museo del Costume e delle Tradizioni (Museum of Costume and Traditions), and the Museo Dell’Arte Mineraria (Mining Art Museum), excluding the gallery. In particular, for Porto Flavia, the Tourist Office provides special wheelchairs that do not sink into the ground during the visit, allowing you to visit the upper gallery. You can take advantage of this service by calling the Tourist Office in advance at +39 0781274507 or by writing an email to infoturistiche@comune.iglesias.ca.it
What to eat in Iglesias: traditional dishes
Sardinian cuisine is a triumph of flavors: from the main courses to dessert. Sardinian culinary tradition involves the use of local ingredients for its delicious recipes. The Iglesias area is no exception and carries on the tradition with authentic-tasting dishes. Here are the dishes to try absolutely during a vacation in Iglesias:
Wild Iglesias: for those who love nature and the outdoors
The Sulcis Iglesiente is a territory characterized by wild and still pristine nature. Crystal clear waters, breathtaking landscapes, and evidence of ancient civilizations are the protagonists of this place waiting to be discovered. The beaches of Sulcis, each with their own characteristics and uniqueness, differ in the green-blue color of the sea and the Mediterranean area that surrounds them. Masua Beach, among the most famous on the coast, was once a natural port. On the left side, it is possible to visit Porto Flavia, an important mineral storage facility in the 1950s. The coastline overlooks Pan di Zucchero, a natural sea stack of 133 meters reachable by sea. Nearby is Bega Sa Canna Beach, a small beach made of light gray sand, shells, and pebbles. The colors of the sea take on different shades depending on the sunlight and the height of the sun. In the surroundings stands the cliff of Castello dell’Iride, a spectacular place for climbing, among the most beautiful and famous in Sardinia. Another must-visit stop when visiting Iglesias is Cala Domestica Beach, which still preserves ruins of warehouses, depots, and galleries excavated by miners dating back to the 1940s. In this place, nature is the protagonist: the impressive white limestone cliffs make the beach a real paradise. Not only beaches but also natural parks like the Marganai. The wide forest (3,650 hectares in the eastern and northern sectors) is crossed by numerous paths, many of which are very suggestive. Long forest dirt roads and trails cross old mining villages and lead to the peaks of Porta San Michele’s and Porta Campu Spina. Inside the forest lies the Linasia Botanic Garden, a charming botanical garden dedicated to the numerous species of endemic plants in the Linas territory, with a special area dedicated to butterflies. Within the garden, some plant specimens are cultivated where these beautiful insects fly more easily.
Iglesias throughout the 4 seasons: what not to miss
Iglesias is perfect to be visited during all seasons. The numerous activities and cultural and naturalistic attractions make it an interesting destination throughout the year. Spring Thanks to the mild climate, the spring period is the right time for outdoor excursions. In the territory of Iglesias, there is an embarrassment of choice. The Parco del Marganai (Marganai Park) with its Linasia Botanical Garden is the perfect option for those who want to spend their free time outdoors and relax. For the more adventurous and sporty, there are also climbing opportunities: the Pan di Zucchero sea stack and the Castello dell’Iride (Iride Castle) are wonderful locations to practice this sport. Summer The Sulcis Iglesiente coast is undoubtedly the perfect destination for summer holidays. The numerous beaches are spectacular, each for a very different reason. They offer breathtaking views, crystal clear waters and imposing sea stacks, places less crowded than other areas of Sardinia. The surrounding nature is almost untouched and the Mediterranean scrub dominates the territory. Among the many beaches in the area, the best-known are undoubtedly Masua and Cala Domestica. Autumn Autumn in Iglesias presents a mild climate which makes excursions to mining sites enjoyable. Among the most important are definitely Porto Flavia, a symbol of the mining revolution in Sardinia; Monteponi, an imposing mining complex on the outskirts of the city, and Laveria Lamarmora, one of the most suggestive monuments of the mining landscape of Sulcis Iglesiente. In addition, in October, the Ottobrata Iglesiente is celebrated, a month dedicated to cultural events, shows, and sports. Winter Iglesias offers numerous activities even during the winter. In fact, there are many museums and churches to visit even during the cold season. The city has 4 museums plus the Municipal Historical Archive and 24 parishes. Museo dell’Arte Mineraria e Museo Mineralogico (The Mining Art Museum and the Mineralogy Museum) are two excellent opportunities to learn about the history of the city. As for churches, the Cathedral of Santa Chiara is a must-see if you visit Iglesias.
Discover the mining sites of Iglesias and their glorious history
The territory of Iglesias is undoubtedly the protagonist of the mining revolution in Sardinia. In the past, the high presence of mining resources attracted the great Mediterranean powers, who started an intense exploitation of the metal mines in the Iglesiente area. Today, the city bears witness to a glorious mining past acknowledged worldwide. Here are the mining sites that you can visit during your vacation in Iglesiente: Porto Flavia You cannot visit Iglesias and not stop by the “port” that revolutionized the system of mineral transportation. The port remained operational until the 1960s and was dismantled with the progressive abandonment of the area’s extraction activity. At the end of the 20th century, Porto Flavia underwent a restoration intervention and is now open to tourists through guided tours. DISCOVER PORTO FLAVIA Santa Barbara Cave Another jewel of the Iglesias territory is Grotta di Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Cave). A surprising discovery made in 1952. During the excavation for the construction of a tunnel, workers found this spectacular cave. The large natural cavity was unknown to the scientific world because it was hidden inside the heart of the mountain. DISCOVER SANTA BARBARA CAVE Laveria Lamarmora It is one of the most fascinating and suggestive mining complexes throughout Sardinia. It is located in Nebida, a village of Iglesias, 15 kilometers away. From the original complex, it remains today, besides the amazing laundry on the sea, the construction of technical and administrative offices and the small mining village. DISCOVER LAVERIA LAMARMORA Monteponi The impressive complex just outside the city of Iglesias represents one of the sites included in the geo-mining park of Sardinia. It is one of the most fascinating and well-preserved sites of industrial archaeology. During its golden period, Monteponi hosted up to 1000 workers. During the mining era, the structures for the extraction activity were also built: Pozzo Sella and Pozzo Vittorio Emanuele, connected by the Galleria Villamarina. DISCOVER MONTEPONI
Iglesias in 3 days: exploring the mining town
Among the extraordinary towns of Southern Sardinia, Iglesias is definitely worth a visit. The city was once known in ancient Pisan as “Villa di Chiesa” before becoming “Iglesias” during the Spanish domination. Iglesias has just over 27,000 inhabitants and is famous for its wild coast and glorious mining past that has characterized it. The city is rich in cultural attractions, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient traditions. Here is a small 3-day itinerary with all the unique places of this magnificent territory! Day 1 To start getting to know Iglesias, there is nothing better than walking through its historic center. One of the most peculiar features of the city is undoubtedly the ancient medieval walls, whose good state of preservation can still be seen today. During the walk, you will surely be surprised to come across Piazza Lamarmora, a pretty square that turns into a triumph of colors during the summer thanks to the installation of small umbrellas. Iglesias is known for its numerous churches: the most important is undoubtedly the Cathedral of Santa Chiara , the first cathedral in the world dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi. Given its mining past, to fully understand the city’s history, it is essential to visit the Museo dell’Arte Mineraria (Mining Art Museum) hosted in the Istituto Minerario Asproni (Asproni Mining Institute). Day 2 The city is so rich in cultural and natural attractions that on the second day of the visit, there will be many choices. In the historic center, on the top of the hill, stands the Salvaterra Castle, built in the medieval period, which now houses the permanent exhibition “Medieval History and Torture.” Another important place to visit is for sure the abandoned Monteponi Mine, one of the most fascinating testimonies of Sardinia’s mining history. In the past, the site was one of the main extraction plants in Italy, with modern buildings and state-of-the-art structures. To end the day, Piazza Sella plays a central role from a social point of view as a meeting place for citizens. The benches and large flower beds surrounding the centuries-old trees will provide a framework for a moment of relax. Day 3 The third day is dedicated to the exploration of the monument of industrial archaeology that revolutionized the mining industry in the area. Porto Flavia is a true engineering masterpiece that reduced the times and costs of mineral transport. In addition to the beautiful history of this place, the view from the mining site of Pan di Zucchero, one of the highest natural sea stack in Europe, is equally magnificent. The day continues at Laveria Lamarmora, one of the most suggestive monuments of the mining landscape. This place, so rich in history, is also one of the favorite photo spots in the Iglesias area. At sunset, the abandoned facility turns into an incredible landscape.
