Overview of Musei
Musei is a small town in the Iglesiente region, located in the Cixerri plain along the old route connecting Iglesias to the lower Campidano and Cagliari.
The Municipality of Musei
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Elevation and Population: Musei sits at an elevation of 119 meters above sea level and had a population of 1,491 inhabitants as of December 31, 2021.
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Associations: The town is a member of the National Association of Raw Earth Cities (Associazione nazionale delle Città della Terra Cruda), which works to protect and recover traditional architectural, natural, and historical assets.
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Origin of the Name: The name likely derives from the Latin gentilic Museius. Alternatively, some suggest it originates from Villa de Prato (dedicated by a Jewish colony to Moses) or represents an anagram of Jesum because it was a Jesuit fief. Historical documents cite it as Musey in 1340, Musej in 1355, and Musey in 1436.
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Economy: The local economy is primarily agricultural, featuring cereals, vegetables, fodder, olives, grapes, and citrus fruits, alongside livestock farming. The secondary sector includes construction and metallurgy enterprises.
History
The area shows evidence of human presence from the Nuragic, Punic, and Roman periods, with Roman ruins noted by Giovanni Spano. In the Middle Ages, it belonged to the Giudicato of Càralis (Curatoria of Sigerro/Cixerri). After passing through various noble families and the Gherardesca and Pisan domains, it became an Aragonese fief in 1324. In the 17th century, the Jesuits constructed the late-baroque church and convent of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, around which the modern village grew under the name Villa di Prato. The Jesuits remained until 1773, after which it became a royal fief and later passed to the Bon Crespi di Valdaura before being redeemed in 1839 with the abolition of feudalism.
Festivals and Traditions
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Monday after Easter: The Festival of Saint Lussorio features a religious procession, public dancing, and free distribution of wine and sweets.
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July 31 (or nearest Sunday): The Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola honors the town’s patron saint with a religious procession, knight costumes, ox-drawn carts (traccas), folk music, traditional games, and poetic competitions.
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Mid-November: The Sapori d’Autunno event offers tastings of traditional Sardinian food and wine.
Exploring the Town Center
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Town Hall: Located in Piazza IV Novembre.
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Etfas Park: Acquired by the administration in 2011, this park preserves four historic grain silos from the post-WWII agrarian reform era and hosts cultural and culinary events.
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Parish Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola: Built by the Jesuits in the 17th century with a late-baroque facade and single-nave interior. It houses a 7th-century wooden crucifix of Saint Sebastian, an early statue of Saint Lussorio, and historic paintings.
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Villa Asquer (Ex-Jesuit Convent): Built in the 16th century, this building now houses the municipal library, media library, and the seat of the Metalla e il Mare Union of Municipalities.
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Municipal Cemetery: Located along Via del Cimitero.
Surroundings
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Disused Musei Railway Station: Located roughly 1.3 kilometers past the cemetery area along the standard-gauge railway line of Sulcis Iglesiente that once connected Decimomannu with Iglesias.