Chiaramonti and the Anglona Region
Overview of Chiaramonti
Chiaramonti (Zaramònte in Sardinian) is an agropastoral center situated on a hill in the central part
of the Province of Sassari, within the interior of the Anglona region between the valleys of the
Canneddu and Alideru rivers. Covering over 111 square kilometers, it is the most expansive
municipality in the Anglona territory. Its economy relies on cereal, wheat, and vegetable cultivation,
viticulture, olive growing, livestock farming, traditional wool carpet weaving (a pibiones), and local
cheesemaking.
Origins & History:
The name refers to its hilltop position commanding a wide horizon
(Claramonte, “clear mountain”). The area has been populated since prehistoric times, featuring
over a hundred scattered nuraghi. Roman traces include the ancient villages of Orria Manna and
Orria Pitzinna. In the Middle Ages, Chiaramonti belonged to the Giudicato of Logudoro within the
Anglona curatoria. Following the collapse of the Giudicato of Torres in 1259, it passed to the
Malaspina family and was sold in 1282 to Brancaleone Doria. According to tradition, the modern
town was founded by survivors of plagues that struck Orria Manna and Orria Pitzinna. It later came
under Aragonese rule, formed part of the Principality of Anglona under the Pimentel family in 1767,
and was redeemed to the State demesne in 1838.
Key Sites & Cultural Highlights:
• Doria Castle Ruins: Located on the summit of San Martino hill, these are the remaining
square base towers and Late-Gothic church remnants of the 13th-century fortress built by the
Doria family.
• Parish Church of San Matteo Apostolo: Built in 1888 in a pure Neoclassical style after a
lightning strike destroyed the old bell tower at the castle. The interior features three naves
and a painting of The Conversion of Saul by exiled Florentine master Baccio Gorini.
• Church of Nostra Signora del Carmelo (Su Gamminu): Built in 1587 alongside a former
Carmelite monastery, housing an 18th-century painting of Saint Agnes against the backdrop
of the Doria Castle.
• Su Mulinu de Su Bentu (Windmill): A rare instance of a traditional stone windmill in
Sardinia, built on the Cudinarasa plateau alongside a series of historic watermills along the
Badu Olta stream.
• Church of Santa Maria Maddalena (Orria Pithinna): A 12th-century Pisan-Romanesque
rural church built from white limestone and pink trachyte alternating bands, formerly
belonging to the Camaldolese monastery. Nearby lie the rock-cut Domus de Janas di Peruchi
and ritual cup-marks.
• Church of Santa Giusta de S’Abba: A small Romanesque church preserving a natural
spring inside, traditionally believed to possess miraculous healing properties.