Santa Barbara Forest Natural Oases in Ogliastra
The forest of santa barbara
A journey through history, nature and botanical wonders in the heart of Gennargentu
On the Gennargentu Massif, the Santa Barbara forest is an emerald green oasis offering shelter from the summer heat.
The forest, rich in springs and streams, also preserves evidence of the Nuragic era and is equipped with picnic tables and a children’s play area. The area also has two bar-restaurants, nestled in the quiet among the trees, and the small country church of Santa Barbara.
How to reach Santa Barbara Forest
You can easily reach the Santa Barbara forest by car. The forest is well signposted and is just three kilometres from the town of Villagrande Strisaili, along the SP27 road.
How to reach Santa Barbara Forest
You can easily reach the Santa Barbara forest by car. The forest is well signposted and is just three kilometres from the town of Villagrande Strisaili, along the SP27 road.
The woods
The Santa Barbara forest is home to various plant species typical of Sardinian forests, such as holm oaks, cork oaks, arbutus and myrtle, as well as many aromatic herbs and medicinal plants, such as rosemary and gentian, with their unmistakable scent.
The woods
The Santa Barbara forest is home to various plant species typical of Sardinian forests, such as holm oaks, cork oaks, arbutus and myrtle, as well as many aromatic herbs and medicinal plants, such as rosemary and gentian, with their unmistakable scent.
The church of Saint Barbara
The small church of Saint Barbara was built in the 1950s in the style of typical Sardinian country churches. The building stands a few hundred metres from the ruins of another much older church, also dedicated to the same saint. According to oral tradition, the church and the woods once belonged to the village of Arzana, which, in difficulty due to some unfortunate event, had to reluctantly cede them to the municipality of Villagrande. Until not too long ago, during the rural festival in honour of Santa Barbara on the second Sunday in July, some Villagrande residents took care to guard the statue of the saint, for fear that the Arzanesi might take it back.
The church of Saint Barbara
The small church of Saint Barbara was built in the 1950s in the style of typical Sardinian country churches. The building stands a few hundred metres from the ruins of another much older church, also dedicated to the same saint. According to oral tradition, the church and the woods once belonged to the village of Arzana, which, in difficulty due to some unfortunate event, had to reluctantly cede them to the municipality of Villagrande. Until not too long ago, during the rural festival in honour of Santa Barbara on the second Sunday in July, some Villagrande residents took care to guard the statue of the saint, for fear that the Arzanesi might take it back.
Attività all'aria aperta
Oltre a ospitare un bel parco giochi per bambini, nel parco di Santa Barbara è presente anche un’area attrezzata con strumenti per il fitness. I sentieri ti permetteranno poi di esplorare il parco in lungo e in largo, sia che ti piacciano le semplici passeggiate che i trekking più impegnativi ma senza grosse difficoltà, specialmente in estate.
Outdoor Activities
In addition to a lovely children’s playground, Santa Barbara Park also has an area equipped with fitness equipment. The paths allow you to explore the park far and wide, whether you enjoy simple walks or more challenging treks that are not too difficult, especially in summer.
Outdoor Activities
In addition to a lovely children’s playground, Santa Barbara Park also has an area equipped with fitness equipment. The paths allow you to explore the park far and wide, whether you enjoy simple walks or more challenging treks that are not too difficult, especially in summer.