Tula

Overview and Geography

Tula is an agropastoral center situated on the western shore of Lake Coghinas in the central part of the Province of Sassari, northwest of Monte Acuto. The municipal territory features an irregular topographic profile with elevations ranging from 62 to 701 meters above sea level.

The etymology of the name is attested in medieval documents in its current form and is presumed to be of pre-Sardinian origin, though it may also derive from the Latin tabula, indicating a plot of land or a vineyard.

Economy and Culture

The primary economic activities include agriculture (cultivating cereals, wheat, vegetables, forage, olives, citrus, grapes, and fruit), livestock breeding, apparel manufacturing, woodworking, and furniture making. The town is also known for producing the highly fragrant bitter honey of Monte Acuto, flavored by the pollens of the Mediterranean scrub.

Historical Background

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Tula preserves numerous nuraghi and archaeological artifacts across its territory. During the Punic era, commercial exchanges flourished with Carthaginian merchants, while Roman presence is marked by various coin finds. In the medieval period, Tula belonged to the Giudicato of Torres within the curatoria of Monte Acuto. Following the death of Adelasia di Torres, it passed to the Doria family and later to the Giudicato of Arborea. Under Aragonese rule, it was incorporated into the Duchy of Monteacuto under the Oliva family until the abolition of the feudal system in 1843.

Architecture and Landmarks

• Church of Nostra Signora di Coros: Built in the Romanesque-Lombard style using local trachyte at the beginning of the 12th century by Vallombrosian monks, serving originally as the abbey for their monastery.

• Parish Church of Sant’Elena Imperatrice: Built likely in the 16th century in the Aragonese style and restored in the 19th century. It houses the valuable Trinità Retablo from 1577, which depicts the Annunciation, Pentecost, Adoration of the Magi, and the Visitation.

• Church of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce): Preserves its main chapel, which features an arched niche containing an ancient and precious wooden crucifix dating back to the 17th century.

Surrounding Archaeology and Nature

• Sa Mandra Manna Archaeological Area: Features a late-Neolithic megalithic wall with a double facing and three entrances, an integrated dolmen, a corridor nuraghe with T-shaped internal planning bearing linear incisions and cupules, overturned menhirs, and a nearby giants’ tomb measuring over eighteen meters in length.

• Lake Coghinas: A vast artificial reservoir created by a dam built across the Muzzone gorge during the 1930s. The lake serves as an important ecological habitat for aquatic species and avifauna, including pink flamingos, making it a key destination for birdwatching, sport fishing, and water sports.