Decimomannu and the Campidano di Cagliari
Overview of Decimomannu
Decimomannu (Dèximu Mannu in Sardinian) is an agropastoral center and industrial hub located in the central part of the Metropolitan City of Cagliari. Built within a bend of the Rio Mannu river, its territory includes the Cixerri special wetland area and the Uta administrative enclave. The local economy spans traditional agriculture (grains, wheat, vegetables, olives, citrus, fruits, and livestock), light industry, and manufacturing.
Origins & History: The name derives from the Latin Decimus ab urbe Karali miliario, indicating a Roman mansio (post station) located precisely ten miles from Cagliari. Human habitation dates back to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, with nearby Nuragic village traces. During the Roman era, the site served as a military castrum that evolved over time. Historian Francesco Cesare Casulla places the decisive 215 BC Second Punic War battle between the Romans under Titus Manlius Torquato and the Sard-Punic forces led by Ampsicora in the surrounding territory. In the Middle Ages, Decimomannu served as the capital of the Campidano di Càralis curatoria before passing through various Pisan, Aragonese, and Spanish feudal estates until its 1839 state redemption.
Key Sites & Cultural Highlights:
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Parish Church of Sant’Antonio Abate: Built in the 16th century in Catalan-Gothic style, featuring a pointed-arch portal, a central rose window, and a single nave with lateral chapels. It preserves a 16th-century Dolorous Crucifix.
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Santuario di Santa Greca: A historic sanctuary originating from a late-Roman or early Christian site where the fourth-century martyr Saint Greca was buried. The sanctuary serves as the focal point for major annual festivals, including the large late-September celebration featuring a traditional suckling pig roast (Sagra del maialetto).
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Ponte de Su Tiaulu (Ponte de Is Aramigus): A well-preserved single-arch bridge of late-Roman or medieval construction crossing the former bed of the Concias River.
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Bingia Manna Roman Bridge: A 1st-century BC Roman bridge crossing the Rio Mannu, historically forming part of the road connecting Decimomannu to Uta.