Monti and the Monteacuto Region
The Historical Region of Monteacuto (Logudoro Monteacuto)
The Monteacuto region spans the Chilivani plain and the foothills of the Goceano, Alà dei Sardi, and Limbara mountains. The landscape alternates between elevated terrain and flat areas, and the local language is Logudorese Sardinian.
Overview of Monti
Monti (Monte in Sardinian, Mònti in Gallurese) is an agricultural center situated at 300 meters above sea level on the northern slopes of Mount Olia and the Limbara chain. Historically marking the eastern boundary of the Giudicato of Torres, it served as a crossroad connecting Gallura, Logudoro, and Barbagia. Its economy focuses on agriculture, cork processing, and wine production—most notably world-renowned Vermentino di Gallura. It is also designated as one of Italy’s “Cities of Honey” (Città del Miele).
Origins & History: Inhabited since prehistory with megalithic tombs and nuraghi, the area was heavily transited by the Romans along the road linking Karalis to Olbia, though travelers frequently faced attacks from the warlike Bàlari tribes. During the Middle Ages, it belonged to the Giudicato of Logudoro (Monteacuto curatoria). In 1255, it fell under the control of the Doria family, who built the imposing Castello di Crasta (subsequently captured by the Malaspina, the Judges of Arborea, and the Aragonese). It became a barony in the 17th century and was redeemed to the state with the abolition of feudalism in 1839.
Key Sites & Cultural Highlights:
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Sanctuary of San Paolo Eremita (Santu Paulu ’e monte): Located inside a dense holm oak and cork forest, this 18th-century granite sanctuary is one of Gallura’s most important places of worship, drawing thousands of pilgrims every August.
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Parish Church of San Gavino Martire: Built in Neo-Romanesque style over the foundations of an older 18th-century church and consecrated in 1955, featuring interior frescoes painted by the Beato Angelico school of Milan.
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Monte Olia State Forest (Foresta di Monte Olia): A protected agro-faunal oasis established in 1957 on a granitic plateau, serving as a reintroduction habitat for Sardinian deer and mouflons.
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Castello di Crasta: A 13th-century fortress built by the Doria family on Mount Casteddu (461 meters elevation) to control the Monteacuto border.