Montiferru

40º 13' 0'' N 8º 35' 0'' E

central-western Sardinia

Italy

Description

Montiferru is a historical region of central-western Sardinia, Italy. It takes its name from the eponymous extinct volcano massif, whose main peak is the Monte Urtigu (1,050 m). Extending for some 700 km², the massif had originally a maximum elevation of c. 1,600/1,700 m, later reduced due to erosion.

Extracted Materials

When the volcano erupted a wide variety of lavas including basanite, hawaiite, phonolite, mugearite, benmoreite and trachyte, as well as small amounts of basaltic andesite and basaltic trachyandesite.

Antropological info

Wildlife include wild boar, fox, Sardinian hare, European hedgehog, least weasel, marten, the rare Sardinian wildcat, vulture, carrion crow, peregrine falcon, hoopoe, little owl, Eurasian scops owl and others.

Sociologal info

Examples of such conflict are many, and several reasons have been advanced as to the causes for these conflicts and are based on structural controls of different governments.

Archaeological info

The rocks of Montiferru are the remains of an extinct volcanic complex, covering an area of about 400 square kilometres (154 sq mi), that was active 3.9 to 1.6 million years ago during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs of the Earth's geological history. 

Sustainable tourism insights

You can start from piazza Roma, the very center of Oristano. Then move to secondary roads, stopping for a short hike to visit Nuraghe Littu before crossing Seneghe by car heading to the stunning waterfall of Sos Molinos, and than to the town of Santulussurgiu and on to San Leonardo sacred area where we stop over for a sardinian pack-lunch with cheese, red wine and local cold cuts. Soon we will move forward to Punta Urtigu, highest peak of Montiferru, where we get refreshment from the local spring water and an amazing sight at the Campidano flatland.

Environment sustainability

The economy is essentially rural, based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Flora goes from the Mediterranean shrubland of the coast to olive and fruit trees in the mainland, up to pine and oaks in the more elevated parts.