Ilbono and the Ogliastra Region
The Historical Region of Olgliastra
Ogliastra is a central-eastern region of Sardinia characterized by rugged mountains, deep gorges, ancient oak forests, and granitic or porphyry coastal cliffs.
Overview of Ilbono
Ilbono (Irboni in Sardinian) is an agropastoral hill village situated on the Ogliastra plateau in the interior of the province of Nuoro. Its economy is rooted in agriculture, livestock rearing, extra-virgin olive oil production, and high-end artisanship (including wrought iron, stonemasonry, embroidery using the vrevolitè tool, and local foods like Pistoccu bread and culurgiones).
Origins & History: The toponym is pre-Latin, likely related to the Sardinian erbuzu or Latin herba, indicating an area originally rich in wild grasses and pasture. Inhabited since the Neolithic (attested by domus de janas and menhirs) and Roman-Byzantine times, medieval Ilbono belonged to the Giudicato of Cagliari within the Ogliastra curatoria. Following Pisan and Aragonese rule, it was incorporated into the County and Marquisate of Quirra until the abolition of feudalism in 1839.
Notable Figures:
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Andrea Lusso (1575–1627): A master painter born in Ilbono, recognized as one of the preeminent exponents of Mannerism in Sardinia.
Key Sites & Cultural Highlights:
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Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista: Located in the historic lower center, built over older Romanesque foundations and preserving historical baptismal fonts and wooden furnishings.
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Scerì Archaeological Area: A hill site featuring a well-preserved complex nuraghe (Tholos chamber with secondary towers and ramparts), a Nuragic village, two Neolithic domus de janas, and a Pre-historic miniature bone figurine of the Mother Goddess (belonging to the Bonu Ighinu culture, now in the Nuoro museum).
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Tèxere Archaeological Area: A site yielding prehistoric menhirs, domus de janas, and a Giants’ tomb featuring a centered stele with dentil friezes.