Mandas and the Trexenta Region
The Historical Region of Trexenta
The Trexenta is a subregion in northern South Sardinia characterized by rolling hills in the east and flatter terrain toward the west. The area is marked by lush countryside, vineyards, olive groves, and cereal fields, supported by abundant water resources that foster prominent wine, olive oil, and grain production.
Overview of Mandas
Mandas (Màndas in Sardinian) is an important agropastoral center situated at 457 meters above sea level on the Trexenta plateau near the edge of the Sarcidano and the Giara di Serri. It serves as the historic southern terminus for the scenic Trenino Verde narrow-gauge railway leading to Arbatax.
Origins & History: Attested in 1215 as Mandara, the name derives from the pre-Latin root Mandara, akin to Latin mandra (“animal enclosure”). Inhabited since pre-Nuragic and Nuragic times, medieval Mandas belonged to the Giudicato of Cagliari within the Siurgus curatoria. In December 1614, King Philip III of Spain elevated the territory to the Duchy of Mandas and Villanova (the only duchy granted by the Spanish crown in Sardinia) under the Maza, Carroz, and Tellez-Giron families until feudal redemption in 1839. Mandas was notably visited and immortalized by British writer D.H. Lawrence in his 1921 travel memoir Sea and Sardinia.
Key Sites & Cultural Highlights:
-
Parish Church of San Giacomo Apostolo: Built between 1585 and 1605 in Catalan-Gothic style, featuring a juniper-timber nave roof on ogival arches, star-vaulted presbyteries, fine 18th-century wooden altars, and local Bardiglio marble embellishments.
-
Peregrinatio Fidei Museum of Sacred Art: Housed inside the deconsecrated church of San Cristoforo, exhibiting restored 16th- and 17th-century polychrome statues and liturgical silver crafted by Genoese artisan Luigi Montaldo.
-
Ex-Convent of San Francesco & Municipal Library: Founded in 1610 by Franciscan friars, currently housing the Emilio Pisano Public Library, local historical archives, and the Cammino di Santu Jacu pilgrim hostel.
-
House Museum (I lollasa de Is Aiaiusu): A late-18th-century noble home (Casa Marongiu-Landis) restored to showcase traditional farming and pastoral life across nine thematic rooms.
-
Su Angiu Nuragic Complex: A quadrilobed complex nuraghe situated near the Brabaciera riverbed, yielding a votive bronze ship model (navicella) featuring a bovine protome.