Siliqua
GATEWAY BETWEEN THE CAMPIDANO AND THE SULCIS-IGLESIENTE
Siliqua (known in Sardinian as Silìcua) is situated in the central part of the Province of Cagliari, lying on
the Campidano plain along the Cixerri River. Serving as a crucial crossroads between the lower
Campidano and the historical Sulcis-Iglesiente region, its territory features an irregular geometric profile
with marked altitudinal variations. The Sulcis-Iglesiente area itself is characterized by pristine nature,
sweeping coastlines, and a rich mining and medieval history.
Etymology and Economy
Documented as early as 1341 as De Siliqua, the town’s name likely derives from the Latin word siliqua (pod),
referring to leguminous fruits like peas, broad beans, and especially carob, which grows abundantly in the
local countryside. A lowland center of Nuragic origin, Siliqua blends traditional agriculture—cultivating cereals,
vegetables, vineyards, olive groves, and citrus—with a developed industrial and artisanal sector, noted for its
mineral water production and traditional basket weaving.
The town boasts a rich culinary heritage, particularly its traditional sweets such as pistoccheddus finis (lemon-
glazed biscuits), pàrdulas (saffron and ricotta Easter pastries), amarèttus, gueffus, caschettas (intricate
pastries filled with sapa, spices, and raisins), pabassinas, and bianchinus (lemon meringues).
Historical Overview
Human presence in Siliqua dates back to the pre-Nuragic and Nuragic eras, evidenced by several ruined
nuraghi scattered across the landscape. Phoenician-Punic fortifications and Roman aqueducts and
necropolises highlight its ancient strategic importance. During the Middle Ages, it belonged to the Giudicato of
Caralis. In the 13th century, control passed to the powerful Pisan Gherardesca family, who occupied the
imposing Acquafredda Castle, and later to the Aragonese and the House of Savoy. The town’s evocative
landscape even inspired the Nobel laureate poet Salvatore Quasimodo, who dedicated a beautiful lyric poem
titled Sardegna to Siliqua during his time working there in the 1930s.
Acquafredda Castle
Dominating the Cixerri valley from a volcanic hill is the Castle of Acquafredda (known locally as Su Casteddu
‘ecciu), arguably one of the most spectacular medieval fortresses in Sardinia. Built in a strategic position at
253 meters above sea level, it formed a visual defensive network with the castles of Gioiosa Guardia, Baratuli,
and San Michele. The castle takes its name from a remarkably cold spring emerging from the hill’s crevices.
According to local lore, Count Ugolino della Gherardesca—famously depicted in Dante’s Inferno—was
imprisoned in the castle’s “Tower of Hunger,” though historical records place his tragic death in Pisa. Today,
the dramatic ruins of the U-shaped main structure, defensive walls, and the surrounding fortified village
remain.
Architecture and Religious Heritage
The historic center developed along the river valley, featuring traditional Campidanese houses built with làdiri
(sun-dried mud bricks). Prominent landmarks include:
Parish Church of San Giorgio Martire: Located in the highest part of the town, originally built in
Romanesque style and later elevated during the Aragonese period. It features a striking marble altar
crafted between 1749 and 1753 by Domenico Andrea Spazzi and Aragonese heraldic shields engraved
on its façade.
Church of Sant’Anna: Rebuilt in 1481 in Catalan-Gothic style, this Latin-cross church is likely the
town’s oldest parish. It features a wooden ceiling dating back to 1765 and exterior battlements.
Monte Granatico: Situated opposite the parish church, this former “grain bank” (established to lend
seeds to poor farmers and combat usury) has been meticulously preserved and transformed into a
cultural center.
Church of San Sebastiano: Facing the Martyrs’ Square and its War Memorial, this modest single-
nave church from the 17th century originally boasted a more complex three-nave structure.
Church of Sant’Antonio da Padova: A Catalan-Aragonese style building resembling the Church of
Sant’Anna, housing notable statues of Saint Anthony.
Church of San Giuseppe Calasanzio: Originally a rural church dedicated in 1754, featuring a simple
façade with a bell gable and exposed wooden roof trusses.
Old Water Reservoir: Built in 1911 to replace a precarious bridge that residents formerly used to fetch
water from the Sa Mitza spring. It stands as a monument to early 20th-century civic engineering.
Rural Churches and Ruins
The countryside around Siliqua is dotted with medieval and monastic ruins:
Santa Margherita of Antiochia: Located near the Acquafredda Castle, this church belonged to a
medieval village and convent managed by the Victorine monks of Marseille in the 11th century.
San Giacomo il Maggiore (Stia Orro): A rural church of monastic origin with an ancient gabled
façade, an arched portico, and nearby natural springs.
Ruins of Santa Barbara of Acquafredda: Documented as early as 1094, this church sat just below
the castle and was donated to the Victorine monks by the Judge of Cagliari.
Ruins of Santa Maria di Arcu: A Romanesque church built over Roman thermal baths and an
aqueduct, at the borders of ancient medieval curatorias.
Ruins of San Pietro di Sebastu Jossu and San Nicola di Sebastu Susu: Remnants of ancient
medieval villas built over Punic and Roman settlements.
Culture and Community Life
Siliqua maintains vibrant community traditions, animated by the Santa Margherita Folk Group and the historic
Giuseppe Verdi Musical Association, founded in 1885. Major events include traditional Carnival parades, the
Feast of San Giorgio in April, and the atmospheric Feast of Santa Margherita in September. The town is also
known for its historical archery tournament (Palio del tiro a balestra) held at the Acquafredda Castle, and the
Bixinaus street basketball tournament—a lively summer event held at the Municipal Amphitheater where local
neighborhoods compete for a commemorative keg of beer.
Additionally, Siliqua features important railway heritage, having once hosted two adjacent stations—one for
the state railway and another for the narrow-gauge Ferrovie Meridionali Sarde—that historically linked the
mining regions of the Sulcis to the rest of the island.