CEAS Pauli Majori

Villaurbana, nestled in the valley between the Arci and Grighine mountains, has Roman origins and its name derives from Villa Urbis which qualified it as a Town Village of the Roman city of Othoca. The territory, however, was densley inhabited in the Nuragic age: in this area there are in fact about 40 nuraghi, including Bau Mendula, Bidella, Craddaxius, Procilis and Turriu, all in a good state of conservation, and some tombs of Giants set in the evocative landscapes offered by Mount Arci.

In the centre of the current town, which was built in medieval times and is made up of Campidanese-style houses which are accessed by ancient portals that characterize the historic centre, stands the parish church of Santa Margherita built in Baroque style.

There is a considerable culture of wine and oil, but above all of bread. The tradition is linked to the cultivation of wheat from which flour is prepared for homemade bread, for which Villaurbana is famous and it is part of the national circuit of the cities of bread.

The local master bakers prepare hard types of bread loaves (prezzida and tureddu) and soft ones (moddixina and lada), with decorated and ceremonial shapes. The festival of “su pani fattu in domu”, home-made bread, which takes place at the end of October, is dedicated to this particular tradition. For the occasion, the ancient manor house which houses the Bread Museum can be visited. The festival includes an exhibition of fine local crafts above all exquisite woven baskets.