Burcei and the Sarrabus Region
The Historical Region of Sarrabus
Sarrabus occupies the southeastern corner of Sardinia between the Sette Fratelli mountain range
and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Characterized by forested valleys, river canyons, and coastal alluvial
plains, its economy relies on livestock, fruit orchards, and tourism.
Overview of Burcei
Burcei is a mountain village set on the eastern slopes of Mount Serpeddì in the Sarrabus range.
Surrounded by forests and natural springs, the municipality is famed for its cherry orchards
(Cerexia Fest), goat cheese, wood/leather handicrafts, and citrus production.
Origins & History: The name may derive from Latin (Vulceius) or Sardinian (Burrei, “herd of
cattle”). Inhabited in Nuragic and Roman times, the modern town originated in the late 17th century
(1688–1698) when inland shepherds settled around the Sa Mitza de Su Salixi spring. It later
formed part of the Barony of San Michele within the Marquisate of Quirra.
Key Sites & Natural Heritage:
• Parish Church of Nostra Signora di Monserrat: Designed in 1886 by architect Gaetano
Cima, featuring a Neoclassical facade with a square bell tower and an octagonal Greek-cross
interior topped by a painted dome.
• The Silver Way (Via dell’Argento): A historical network of mining trails and rail tracks
running through the Rio Ollastu valley. Developed in the 1800s by French engineer Léon
Goüin, it connected eight silver galena mines, including the abandoned S’Arcilloni and
Tacconis silver mines.
• Rio Cannas Gorge & Arcu ‘e Tidu Pass: A mountain pass (426m) leading into a deep
granite gorge flanked by dense oleander groves and thick oak woodlands along the Rio
Cannas stream.
• Rio Brabaisu State Forest: A protected nature reserve located on the northern slopes of
Mount Idda (740m) featuring holm oaks, wild olives, junipers, strawberry trees, and riverside
alder stands.
• Nuraghe Domu de S’Orcu: The hilltop stone ruins of a single-tower nuraghe situated 606
meters above sea level.