Cossoine and the Meilogu Region
Overview of Cossoine
Cossoine (Cossoìne in Sardinian) is a hill farming center situated in the southern part of the
Meilogu plateau, overlooking the wide pasturelands of Campu Giavesu. Its historical center dates
back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The local economy, traditionally based on agriculture due to
fertile volcanic soils, now centers predominantly on livestock raising (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats)
alongside traditional iron and wood craftsmanship, honey production, and local breadmaking.
Origins & History:
The name likely derives from the Logudorese/Campidanese word Cóssu (a
washing tub) or from the personal name Cossu (descending from Corsus), suggesting the
settlement may have been founded in the Early Middle Ages by a Corsican tribe. The area contains
prehistoric remains within the “Valley of the Nuraghes,” Roman traces of Lucentia (Castrum
Lucentinum, corresponding to Lughentinas), and Byzantine roots associated with Kourin near the
Santa Maria Iscalas church. In medieval times, it belonged to the Giudicato of Logudoro under the
Cabu Abbas curatoria before passing to the Doria family and Aragonese feudal estates.
Literary Legacy:
Cossoine is the birthplace of author Gavino Cossu (1844–1890), considered
one of the pioneers of the historical novel in Sardinia alongside works like Il colle del diavolo and
La pazza della Maddalena.
Key Sites & Cultural Highlights:
• Church of Santa Maria Iscalas: An exceptionally old rural church reflecting the architectural
transition from Byzantine influences to Romanesque forms, situated on Monte Sa Costanza.
• Su Colvu Basalt Quarries & Columns: A basalt formation featuring pentagonal and
hexagonal prismatic columns formed roughly 60 million years ago by subterranean volcanic
activity.
• Church of San Sebastiano: Built following the cessation of the 1528 plague on January 20,
1529. It hosts the annual Ardia di San Sebastiano, an ancient and spirited horse race.
• Parish Church of Santa Chiara: A 16th-century parish church featuring a Late-Gothic
Aragonese facade with winged sides, a carved columned portal, a rose window, and an
octagonal bell tower.
• Voragine di Su Mammuscone: A deep natural chasm that, according to medieval folklore,
was regarded as a gateway to the underworld.