Tuili

Overview and Geography

Tuili is an agricultural community nestled on the southern slopes of the Giara plateau in the historical Marmilla region. The municipal territory spans the northern portion of the Province of the South Sardinia, bordering the Province of Nuoro to the northeast and sitting just northeast of the Marmilla hills. The landscape is characterized by an irregular geometric profile with pronounced altitudinal variations ranging from 160 meters to 609 meters above sea level. The municipality also encompasses the special environmental area of the Pauli Maiori wetland on the Giara plateau.

The etymology of the name Tuili, first documented in 1346 as De Tuilli, remains unclear and is likely of pre-Roman origin.

Economy and Local Products

The local economy is predominantly agricultural. The primary economic sector focuses on the cultivation of cereals, wheat, vegetables, fodder, vines, olives, citrus fruits, and other fruits, with grain and olive oil production holding particular importance. Animal husbandry is also practiced, involving the breeding of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and horses. Secondary industrial activities consist of small enterprises operating in the food and construction sectors. The area offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy natural landscapes, sample genuine local products, and take excursions onto the Gesturi Giara plateau.

Historical Background

Human presence in the territory dates back to the Nuragic period, evidenced by several nuraghi strategically positioned along the edge of the Giara to guard the steep pathways leading up to the plateau, known as Is Scalas. During the Middle Ages, Tuili belonged to the Giudicato of Arborea within the Marmilla curatoria, holding significant strategic importance not only for its fertile agricultural and pastoral lands but also because it controlled a long stretch of the border separating the Giudicato of Caralis from the Giudicato of Arborea.

In 1355, Tuili became part of the Crown of Aragon and was granted as a fief by Peter IV the Ceremonious to Matteo Doria. Over the following centuries, the fief passed through various noble families, including Gerardo de Doni, Salvatore de Sena, Giovanni della Santa Croce, the Genoese merchant Ambrogio Martin (whose family was elevated to knighthood around 1700), and Pietro Ripolli, who received the title of Count of Tuili in 1774. Following the abolition of the feudal system in 1836, Tuili became an autonomous municipality in 1861.

Architecture and Urban Fabric

Unlike neighboring settlements, Tuili features a distinct architectural contrast between the elaborate courtyard houses of wealthy landowners and humble peasant dwellings. The noble manor houses, often reflecting ancient Spanish nobility, showcase local structural traditions designed to display the owner’s social status. The town contains approximately fifty stone portals dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, all crafted by local stonemasons. These range from simple entrances to grand portals featuring finely worked stone arches, solid wood doors, and symbols indicating property ownership or construction dates. The historic center also preserves elegant neoclassical buildings such as Villa Pitzalis (designed by Gaetano Cima) and Villa Asquer.

Architecture and Landmarks

• Church of Sant’Antonio Abate: Founded in 1582 as part of an ancient Franciscan convent of the Observant Friars, who abandoned it in 1640 due to unhealthy air conditions. Built in a rustic Sardinian style, the white-plastered church features a Latin cross plan and houses a precious gilded baroque wooden altarpiece with twisted columns and angelic motifs.

• Parish Church of San Pietro Apostolo: Erected in 1470 in a late Gothic style, consecrated in 1489, and later remodeled in the 18th century. Its single nave contains three chapels on each side, including the Chapel of the Rosary with its stellar vault and hanging gems. The church is nationally renowned for housing the monumental Retablo of Saint Peter (crafted between 1489 and 1500 by the Master of Castelsardo) and the Retablo of Pentecost (created in 1534 by an unknown artist).

• Villa Pitzalis: A neoclassical noble residence attributed to architect Gaetano Cima, featuring a two-story layout topped by a belvedere (altana). Acquired by the municipality in 1982, it currently serves as the seat of the local Pro Loco.

• Villa Asquer: A 19th-century neoclassical noble residence built by architect Gaetano Cima for the Asquer family. Its rural working wing surrounds a central courtyard with spacious loggias, while the noble section was designed to house museums dedicated to olive oil and traditional Sardinian musical instruments.

The Giara of Gesturi and Wild Horses

The territory of Tuili extends onto the southern expanse of the Giara of Gesturi (Sa Jara Manna), a volcanic basalt plateau rising about 600 meters above sea level. This natural fortress is home to roughly 700 wild horses known as Equus Caballus Jarae or Is Cuaddeddus—the only truly wild horses remaining in Europe. Characterized by their slender, elegant builds, dark brown coats, and long manes, these small horses roam freely in herds across the plateau, grazing and watering at temporary wetlands known as paúlis.

The plateau also hosts rich Mediterranean vegetation, ancient nuraghi lining its perimeter (Sa Corona), prehistoric domus de janas, and traditional dry-stone shepherd huts (pinnetas). Spring brings vibrant blooms to the wetlands, such as the Ranunculus aquatilis, near the largest standing body of water on the plateau, the Paúli Maiori. Every year, Tuili and Genoni host traditional branding ceremonies (marchiatura) where horsemen (Is Insocadores) corral the young wild horses for veterinary care and microchipping.