Lula and the Nuorese Region
The Historical Region of Nuorese (Barbagia di Nuoro or Barbagia di Bitti)
The Nuorese (Su Nugorèsu or Su Nuorèsu), also indicated as the Barbagia di Nuoro or Barbagia di Bitti, is a historical subregion of northeastern Sardinia. During the judicial period, its territory largely belonged to the Giudicato of Torres (Dore-Orotelli curatoria), though today it spans a much broader area incorporating parts of the ancient Bitti and Orosei-Galtellì curatorie. The region is defined by its landscapes, traditions, gastronomy, and artistic craftsmanship, prominently immortalized in the literary works of Nobel laureate Grazia Deledda.
Overview of Lula
Lula (Lùvula in local dialect) is a mountain agropastoral center situated at 516 meters above sea level in the northeastern part of the Province of Nuoro. It lies on the western slopes of the limestone Mont’Albo mountain chain beneath the twin peaks of Punta Catirina and Punta Turuddò (both 1,127 meters). The Mont’Albo has been designated by the European Union as a Site of Community Importance (SIC) for its rare endemic flora and fauna, including golden eagles and mouflons. The town’s economy relies on agropastoral activities and historical mineral deposits.
Origins & History: The toponym is of uncertain Paleo-Sardinian origin, traditionally linked to the Latin Julia or interpreted as “Sacred to the God of the Woods”. Inhabited since prehistory, Lula was exploited by the Romans for its mineral wealth. In the Middle Ages, it was included in the Galtellì curatoria of the Giudicato of Gallura, later passing under the Baronia of Orosei. Lula has a rich mining history tied to the extraction of coal and galena at Sos Enattos, S’Arghentaria, and Guzzurra, which are now incorporated into the UNESCO-sponsored Sardinian Geomining, Historical and Environmental Park.
Key Sites & Cultural Highlights:
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Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Sa Creja Mazore): The main parish church of Lula, dating back to the 12th or 13th century and built over what are believed to be the remains of an ancient Jewish synagogue.
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Sanctuary of San Francesco d’Assisi: One of Sardinia’s most famous and evocative rural sanctuaries, located on a wooded hillside beneath Mont’Albo. According to tradition, it was founded in the 17th century by outlaw Francesco Tolu and other Nuorese bandits who invoked Saint Francis. It serves as the destination for major foot pilgrimages and traditional feasts in May and October, where pilgrims are served traditional pastoral dishes like Filindeu soup and zurrette.
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Sos Enattos Mine: A historical mining site utilized from Roman times through the 20th century for lead, silver, and zinc extraction, featuring underground galleries and processing plants integrated into the Geomining Park.