Loceri 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 red-porphyry coastal cliffs.
Overview of Loceri
Loceri (Lotzeri in Sardinian) is a hill borgo nestled among olive groves and vineyards in the central-eastern part of the Ogliastra province, south of the Ogliastra plateau. Its economy is based on agropastoral activities, producing fine Cannonau wine and extra-virgin olive oil—core components of the local centenarians’ diet (dieta dei centenari)—as well as traditional hand-embroidered lacework, crochet, and ceramics.
Origins & History: The name’s origin is obscure, potentially deriving from the Paleo-Sardinian term Lochera (referring to Stachys glutinosa, an endemic regional plant) or the Latin gentilic name Locer. Inhabited since the Nuragic era, medieval Loceri belonged to the Giudicato of Cagliari within the Ogliastra curatoria. Following Pisan and Aragonese rule, it was incorporated into the County of Quirra under the Carroz, Centelles, and Osorio families until feudal abolition in 1839.
Key Sites & Cultural Highlights:
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Parish Church of San Pietro Apostolo: A 17th-century neoclassical church featuring an elegant colonnaded portico, a triangular pediment, a square bell tower, and a refined 1780 marble main altar.
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Open-Air Murals (Scorci di memoria): A municipal art festival that has transformed Loceri’s historic center into an open-air museum featuring large murals depicting rural traditions, historical scenes, and local daily life.
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Ethnographic Museum (Sa Domu de S’Olia): Housed in a restored early-20th-century olive mill (frantoio), preserving domestic environments, agricultural tools, traditional costumes, and artisanal instruments.
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Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Bonaria: Located on the Monte ’e Cuccu hill at 350 meters elevation, offering sweeping views from the port of Arbatax to Marina di Gairo.
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Is Arceddas Necropolis: A prehistoric site featuring three rock-cut domus de janas set amid Mediterranean scrub.