Macomer and the Marghine Region
The Historical Region of Marghine
The Marghine is a plateau and mountain subregion in central-western Sardinia formed by post-Miocene lava flows from the Montiferru volcanoes. It is characterized by oak, cork, and holm-oak forests, and a rich prehistoric and environmental heritage.
Overview of Macomer
Macomer (Macumere in Sardinian) is the chief town (capoluogo) of the Marghine region, situated at the southern extremity of the Campeda basaltic plateau in the Province of Nuoro. It serves as a vital road and railway hub connecting northern and southern Sardinia. Its economy is driven by agriculture, livestock trading, large-scale dairy processing (renowned for pecorino cheese), and manufacturing.
Origins & History: The name appears in 1341 as Macomerio, echoing the ancient Punic settlement of Macopsissa noted by Ptolemy. Inhabited since the Paleolithic (yielding the famous Venus of Macomer figurine dating between the Mesolithic and Paleolithic), it served as a key Roman station along the road from Karalis to Turris Libisonis. In medieval times, it was the capital of the Marghine curatoria within the Giudicato of Torres, later passing to the Arborea judiciary. On May 19, 1478, Macomer was the site of the decisive Battle of Macomer (Campu Castigadu / Tossilo), where Aragonese forces decisively defeated Leonardo d’Alagon, ending the independence dreams of the Marquisate of Oristano. In 1976, it was elevated to the rank of City (Città).
Key Sites & Cultural Highlights:
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Parish Church of San Pantaleo: The town’s primary historic church, featuring a 16th-century Catalan-influenced three-nave layout and a bell tower completed by master stonemason Migueli Puig in 1574.
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Casa Attene Cultural Center: A 17th-century historic building housing multimedia documentation rooms exploring the cultural heritage of the Marghine region.
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Tamuli Archaeological Area: A prehistoric site featuring three well-preserved Giants’ tombs, a complex nuraghe, a surrounding Nuragic village, and six sacred stone betils (Sas Pedras Marmuradas de Tamuli).
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Santa Barbara Nuragic Complex: A prominent quadrilobed complex nuraghe standing 15 meters high on a plateau step, featuring intact tholos chambers and an adjoining settlement.