Laerru and the Anglona Region
The Historical Region of Anglona
The Anglona is a historical region of northern Sardinia overlooking the Gulf of Asinara, bordered by the sea to the north, the Coghinas River to the east, Mount Sassu to the south, and the Silis River and Mount Pilosu to the west. Its terrain is predominantly hilly, composed of volcanic and calcareous tablelands.
Overview of Laerru
Laerru is an Anglona village situated on a hillside slope formed by an ancient landslide beneath the Tanca Manna plateau. Its economy is rooted in agriculture and specialized traditional craftsmanship—most notably the intricate carving of briarwood pipes (radica sarda).
Origins & History: Attested historically as Layrru or Lagherru, the name may refer to the natural amphitheater shape of the settlement or derive from the Latin alaternus (referring to the alaterno evergreen shrub common locally). Inhabited since the Neolithic (including ancient limestone quarries used to craft blocks for the Perfugas sacred well), medieval Laerru belonged to the Giudicato of Logudoro (Anglona curatoria) before passing to the Malaspina and Doria families, and later Spanish feudal rule until 1838.
Key Sites & Cultural Highlights:
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Parish Church of Santa Margherita: Rebuilt in 1701 over earlier foundations, preserving Catalan-Gothic interior arches and an articulated crucifix used during Holy Week (S’Iscravamentu).
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Laerru Petrified Forest (Monte Ultana): Located on the conical plateau of Mount Ultana, preserving fossilized tree trunks up to 70 centimeters in diameter dating to geological eras past.
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Monte Ultana Archaeological Complex: A multi-period site featuring domus de janas, a Giants’ tomb (allèes couvertes), and the remains of a Roman castrum.
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Grotta de Su Coloru: One of Sardinia’s largest karstic caves, stretching 600 meters deep into the mountainside.