Escalaplano and the Gerrei Region
The Historical Region of Gerrei
The Gerrei is a historical subregion of southeastern Sardinia situated between the Sarrabus, Trexenta, Campidano di Cagliari, and Ogliastra districts. It is characterized by high plateaus, deep valleys carved by the Flumendosa River, and dense Mediterranean macchia forests rich in cork and holm oaks.
Overview of Escalaplano
Escalaplano (Scalepranu in Sardinian) is a pastoral and agricultural center located in the southeastern province of South Sardinia, set between the valleys of the Flumendosa and Flumineddu rivers.
Origins & History: The name combines the Latin terms Scala (referring to a steep zig-zag path or hill slope) and Planum (plateau), describing the town’s geography on the southern slope of a highland. Inhabited since prehistoric times (evidenced by local domus de janas and nuraghi), Escalaplano is first documented in the Aragonese repartimiento of 1358. During the medieval and Spanish periods, it was incorporated into the County of Quirra under the Carroz, Mazza, De Silva, and Tellez-Giron families until the abolition of feudalism in 1839.
Key Sites & Cultural Highlights:
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Parish Church of San Sebastiano: Built in Renaissance-Classicist style between 1614 and 1623 following orders from the Archbishop of Cagliari. It features a large Aragonese rose window, fine sculptural details on the triumphal arch depicting the Virgin and Apostles, and an 18th-century carved stone bell tower.
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Is Clamoris Archaeological Complex: Located near the old bridge over the Flumineddu River on the border with Perdasdefogu. It includes a sacred Nuragic spring and a Nuragic well temple (pozzo sacro) constructed from local schists, marls, and travertine.
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San Giovanni Country Church (Fossada): A rural sanctuary rebuilt in the 1960s within a protected park, serving as the destination for traditional mid-summer festivities. Nearby lies the Fossada hypogeum necropolis comprising seven rock-cut domus de janas.