Burgos and the Goceano Region
The Historical Region of Goceano
Goceano (Sa Costèra in Sardinian) encompasses the upper basin of the Tirso River, dominated by
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 Burgos
Burgos (Su Burgu in Sardinian) is a historic village set at the foot of a steep conical rock topped by
the Castle of Burgos (also known as the Castle of Goceano). Overlooking the Tirso River valley, its
economy centers on traditional agriculture, livestock, horse breeding, and forestry resources.
Origins & History: The name Su Burgu refers to its position as a village settled at the foot of a
medieval castle. Though the area was settled in prehistoric times (evidenced by local nuraghi), it
became depopulated in the Early Middle Ages. Between 1127 and 1129, regent Ittocorre Gambella
built the Castle of Goceano on behalf of Judge Gonnario II of Torres. The castle changed hands
among the Judges of Logudoro, Cagliari, Arborea, and the Doria family. In 1259, Adelasia of Torres
died while living in seclusion inside the castle. The modern village originated in 1353 when Judge
Mariano IV of Arborea settled twenty-five families of farmers around the castle.
Key Sites & Natural Heritage:
• Castle of Burgos (Castle of Goceano): A 12th-century hilltop fortress featuring a triple ring
of granite and brick curtain walls, a large subterranean water cistern, and a massive
cylindrical brick-and-granite main keep.
• Burgos Forest & Foresta Burgos Hamlet: A protected natural enclave containing ancient
stands of downy oak, holm oak, and yew, alongside introduced Arizona cypresses and thuja
trees.
• Sardinian Horse Breeding Institute: Located in Foresta Burgos near the neo-Gothic 20th
century Chapel of San Salvatore, this facility manages the breeding of Anglo-Arab-Sardinian
horses, Giara wild ponies, and white Asinara donkeys.
• Sa Costa Nuraghe (Sa Reggia): A complex basaltic nuraghe built 758 meters above sea
level. It features a central keep with an intact four-meter corridor, a semicircular courtyard,
multiple secondary towers, a elevated patrol walkway, and a surrounding cyclopean outer
wall.
• S’Unghiedda Archaeological Complex: Contains a trilobed complex nuraghe built with
timber-supported ceiling beams, a nearby Giant’s Tomb, and a four-chambered domus de
janas necropolis featuring carved headrest benches.