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Baratili San Pietro

Baratili San Pietro is famous for the construction of Is Fassonis, and it is visited along with its center and surroundings.

The Historic Region of the Campidano di Oristano

The Campidano is the large plain in southwestern Sardinia stretching between the gulfs of Cagliari and Oristano, spanning approximately 100 kilometers with a maximum altitude of 70 meters above sea level. Its origins stem from the filling of a tertiary geological depression by marine, fluvial, and volcanic sediments. Coastal brackish ponds are frequent, and the Tirso River flows into the northwestern corner of the region.

The Campidano di Oristano is a region in western Sardinia whose territory historically belonged to the Giudicato of Arborea. It develops entirely within the Province of Oristano and includes Arborea, Baratili San Pietro, Bauladu, Cabras, Marrubiu, Milis, Narbolia, Nurachi, Ollastra, Oristano, Palmas Arborea, Riola Sardo, San Nicolò d’Arcidano, San Vero Milis, Santa Giusta, Siamaggiore, Siamanna, Siapiccia, Simaxis, Solarussa, Terralba, Tramatza, Uras, Villaurbana, Zeddiani, and Zerfaliu. The territory features wetlands of high naturalistic interest containing rare fauna species.

The Municipality of Baratili San Pietro

The municipality of Baratili San Pietro (Sardinian name: Boatiri, elevation 11 meters above sea level, population 1,206 as of December 31, 2021) is located about ten kilometers from Oristano and is renowned for the production of Vernaccia, a white dessert wine named after the typical grape variety dominating the flat landscape. It is a lowland municipality with an agricultural economy. The municipal territory includes the special area of the Mare Foghe pond, which flows into the Pischeredda fish farm belonging to the Mar e Pontis area of the Cabras pond. It features a regular geometric profile with almost imperceptible altimetric variations.

Origin of the Name

The name is of obscure and uncertain origin, likely pre-Roman. The first part, Baratili, corresponds to other lowland and pond-rich towns associated with ducks (Baradilis, Baraduli, Baratoli, etc.), comparable to Tuscan terms for the teal duck, though their wide diffusion in Sardinia rules out a Tuscan derivation. The second part, San Pietro, was added to distinguish it from the municipality of Baradili, also in the Province of Oristano.

Economy

The primary economic sector is agriculture, focusing on cereals, wheat, vegetables, fodder, citrus, fruits, olives, and vines. Vernaccia wine production occurs both artisanally and industrially. Livestock farming includes cattle, sheep, horses, and poultry. Industry is modest, comprising food production and construction. Accommodation options include various farmhouses (agriturismi) offering dining but no lodging.

Historical Overview

The territory was inhabited during the Phoenician era under Tharros’s influence. In the 11th century during the Middle Ages, it belonged to the Giudicato of Arborea and the curatoria of Campidano di Oristano under the name Oiratili. In 1410, upon the fall of the Giudicato, it entered the Marquessate of Oristano, later becoming incorporated into the royal patrimony under Spanish and Piedmontese rule. In 1767, it was incorporated into the Marquessate of Arcais until the feudal system’s abolition in 1839. The historic name Baratili was changed to Baratili San Pietro in 1864. It was aggregated to Riola Sardo in 1928, separated in 1946, and transferred to the Province of Oristano in 1974.

The Tradition of Is Fassonis

Baratili San Pietro is noted for the construction of Is Fassonis, a craft kept alive by Efisio Canu, who inherited the ancient art from his family. These traditional fishing boats of the Cabras and Santa Giusta lagoons were made from bundles of marsh hay (Su Sessini or Su Cruccuri) tied with woven rush cords. They feature flat hulls about four meters long with a pointed bow and truncated stern for stability, lightness, and speed. Fishermen used them until the late 1960s. Three of these boats were built by Efisio Canu for the Universities of Cagliari and Sassari, and for the City of Lima (Peru) for a July 2003 regatta on Lake Titicaca against Peruvian totore boats.

Festivals and Traditions

• Traditional Baratilese Carnival: Spanning from the first Sunday after Christmas to Shrove Tuesday, featuring traditional dances like Su ballu tundu, the culinary dish Is gabadiasa de Sa zobia de perdaiou on “Sa zobia de perdaiou,” and Su ballu de Sa zappitta on Shrove Tuesday.

• First Sunday of May & October: Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

• Early May: Asparagus Festival.

• June 29: Patronal Feast of Saint Peter.

• August 6 & November 9: Feast of Saint Savior (former patron saint).

• First Sunday of August: Sagra della Vernaccia, closing the Feast of Saint Savior with market exhibitions, folk events, and Vernaccia wine tastings paired with local dishes.

• September 8: Feast of Our Lady of the Remedy.

Exploring the Center of Baratili San Pietro

• Town Hall (Municipio): Located at Via della Chiesa 18, housing administrative, financial, and technical municipal services.

• War Memorial: Located in a square off Via Giacomo Leopardi, created by artist Roberto Ziranu and inaugurated in December 2019 to replace the previous statue.

• Parish Church of Saint Peter the Apostle: Dating back to 1741 in neoclassical style with a Latin cross floor plan, barrel vaults, a 1912 sandstone bell tower with biforate windows, and preserved original frescoes in lateral chapels.

• Municipal Multisport Complex: Features a natural grass football field with 150-seat stands, an athletics running track, and a dirt training field.

• Middle School Gymnasium and Sports Facilities: Includes a gym with stands for around 80 spectators (supporting volleyball, basketball, and kickboxing), an outdoor exercise area, and a tennis court.

• Municipal Cemetery: Located along Via Papa Giovanni.

• Silvio Carta Winery: Located at Via Roma 2, the original establishment of the prominent producer of Vernaccia di Oristano, Mirto Riserva, London Dry Gin, Vermouth, and spirits.

Exploring the Surroundings

• Nuraghe Saevoras: The only recorded nuragic archaeological remain in the surrounding territory.