Goni and the Sarrabus-Gerrei Region
The Historical Region of Gerrei
The Gerrei is a subregion of southeastern Sardinia positioned between the Sarrabus, Trexenta,
and Ogliastra districts. Characterized by high plateaus, deep river valleys carved by the
Flumendosa, and lush cork and holm-oak forests.
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Overview of Goni
Goni (Goni in Sardinian) is a pastoral and agricultural village located in the northeastern part of the
South Sardinia province, set within the Gerrei highlands near the Flumendosa valley. Its economy
is primarily agropastoral, complemented by traditional cork working and basketry.
Origins & History: The name stems from the pre-Latin root Gonnos, indicating a hill or
prominence. Inhabited since the late 4th and 3rd millennia BC, the area contains Europe’s densest
concentration of megalithic monuments. During the medieval period, Goni belonged to the
Giudicato of Cagliari within the Siurgus curatoria, later passing under Pisan and Aragonese rule
into the Marquisate of San Tommaso (Cervellon, Nin) until the abolition of feudalism in 1839.
Key Sites & Cultural Highlights:
- Pranu Mutteddu Archaeological Park: A monumental 200,000-square-meter prehistoric site often referred to as Italy’s Stonehenge. It features roughly sixty proto-anthropomorphic menhirs (some reaching two meters in height, arranged in linear alignments or solar orientations), intricate megalithic circle tombs (tumuli), and domus de janas dating principally to the San Michele di Ozieri culture.
- Goni Nuraghe: A well-preserved single-tower nuraghe situated on a limestone plateau at 509 meters elevation, offering sweeping views across Lake Mulargia.
- Parish Church of San Giacomo il Maggiore: The town’s main parish church, serving as a designated station along the regional Cammino di San Giacomo pilgrimage route.