It is often referred to as the heart of Sardinia.
This area is the wildest part of the island, it is a large area of Sardinia that jealously guards the most characteristic expressions of the culture, history and nature of this wonderful island.
All around the slopes of the Gennargentu mountain massif, and the name barbarian originates in history.
It is linked to the fact that the later took refuge in these lands when they resisted the conquests of the Carthaginians and the Romans.
Although commonly known as Barbagia, it actually consists of several barbagia.
We have various historical regions in this area, such as Belvì, Nuoro, Ollolai and Seulo.
The first two are in the northernmost part, while the last in the southernmost part.
Also to the west of the Gennargentu we find the territory of the Mandrolisai.
Characteristics of the area
In these villages you will be conquered by the magic of the villages, of the small historical centers, walking in narrow alleys and admiring small glimpses of history is tradition that have left evident signs and still intact.
And so this is the best area to discover local customs and traditions.
Orgosolo that speaks through its famous murals, paintings on the walls of the town that tell about culture and customs and traditions.
What to taste
You can taste excellent Sardinian cheese, for example, by visiting Gavoi, famous for its Fiore Sardo cheese.
Or drink a good glass of Cannonau, passing through Mamoiada, Oliena or Dorgali, famous production centers recognized internationally.
Excursions and outdoor activities in Barbagia
You could make a nice excursion going to visit the Supramonte. Here you will be able to see wonderful sceneries with suggestive colors.
And then a nice visit to the Su Gologone spring in Oliena.
Famous place as the oldest human remains of the island were found here.
If you are in Orgosolo, on the other hand, you could see the forest of Montes or visit Mount Novo Santu juvanne and then reach the Nuraghe Mereu and the wonderful Gorropu Canyon.
He discovered the Sardinian folk traditions
In these countries we also find many museums that give us an idea of popular traditions and life on the island.
For example, the museum of Sardinian life and folk traditions in Nuoro well represents an overview of the culture of this area of Sardinia.
So too is the museum of Mediterranean masks in Mamoiada.
It is still the multimedia museum of singing in Tenores di Bitti, where the Canto a tenore of the shepherds who used to gather to sing when they were away from home is recalled and it is still remembered today during festivals or by professional choirs.
The Canto a tenore is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO.
Take a look also at Gennargentu.