Bultei and the Goceano Region
The Historical Region of Goceano
Goceano (Sa Costèra in Sardinian) encompasses the upper basin of the Tirso River along the
Goceano mountain range in north-central Sardinia. The region’s economy relies on grain cultivation
in the valley, livestock herding, and forestry.
Overview of Bultei
Bultei (Burtei in Sardinian) is an agropastoral village set in a narrow valley divided by the Rio Tortu
stream into two districts: Bidda (lower, northwest) and Orriata (upper, southeast). Its territory
ranges from lowlands to mountain elevations reaching over 1,100 meters. The town preserves
traditional customs and shares mineral-rich thermal springs with neighboring Benetutti.
Origins & History: The name Bultei relates to traditional leather tanning. Inhabited since the
Neolithic era, the territory contains five nuraghi and several domus de janas. In medieval times, it
belonged to the Anela curatoria under the name Gulsei. The site hosted the historic, long
abandoned village of Usulvì and its Camaldolese monastery. Under Spanish rule, it was integrated
into the County of Goceano.
Key Sites & Natural Heritage:
• San Saturno Thermal Baths & Country Church: Located near ancient Roman thermal bath
basins fed by around 110 sources. Built in the 11th century by Pisan settlers over a pre
existing nuraghe, the red trachyte Church of San Saturno features a semicircular apse and a
rear bell-gable.
• Fiorentini State Forest & Sa Fraigada: A mountain forest reserve containing rare botanical
species—including English yew, holly, downy oak, and introduced Atlantic cedar—alongside
wildlife such as wild boars, foxes, and raptors. Nearby stands the 1930s granite Chapel of
Nostra Signora de S’Altura (Sa Cresiedda), built 1,000 meters above sea level.
• Parish Church of Santa Margherita: Rebuilt in a modern architectural style in the 1970s,
replacing a 1595 structure.
• Is Argiolas Bronze Nuragic Vessel: A major archaeological discovery from the Is Argiolas
site featuring a cast-bronze model boat (navicella) adorned with a deer protome, birds, and
dogs on its railings.
• Nuraghe Nurchidda: A complex nuraghe whose central tower retains an intact stone tholos
vault.