Visit Mamoiada Sardinia: Capital of Sardinia Carnival
Let us tell you a little secret about a hidden gem in Sardinia that you cannot miss – Mamoiada. This quaint little town in the heart of Sardinia is bursting with unique cultural experiences, delicious food and breathtaking scenery.
We have had the pleasure of visiting Mamoiada many times, and we will never forget each trip. Every moment was a true delight, from sipping on freshly brewed coffee in the morning while overlooking the stunning mountainous landscape to indulging in a mouth-watering traditional lunch made by the locals.
Mamoiada has many springs and streams feeding the lush forests, pastures and vineyards; this town is home to some of the finest cheeses and wines in the region.
But that’s not all – Mamoiada is also home to some of Sardinia’s most fascinating cultural traditions. The famous Mamuthones, mysterious masked figures dressed in sheepskin, roam the streets during the Carnival of Mamoiada, captivating visitors with their eerie dances and rituals. Don’t miss it from your Sardinia road trip.
Where is Mamoiada?
Mamoiada is a charming town in the centre of the beautiful Italian island of Sardinia. Specifically, it is nestled in the province of Nuoro, known for its stunning landscapes and unique cultural traditions.
More precisely, Mamoiada is situated in the heart of the Barbagia di Ollolai area, on the border between the Gennargentu and Supramonte mountains, and lies the charming town of Mamoiada. This welcoming town is home to approximately 2,500 friendly and hospitable inhabitants, who are always happy to share their traditions and way of life with visitors.
The town is roughly 700 meters above sea level, which means it enjoys cooler temperatures and a refreshing breeze even during the height of summer.
How to get to Mamoiada
Getting to Mamoiada is relatively easy, especially if you travel by car. The town is about 100 km north of Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, and about 60 km south of Olbia, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches. If you’re travelling by plane, you can fly into either Cagliari or Olbia and rent a car to get to Mamoiada.
10 Things to do in Mamoiada
Explore the Shepherds’ Paths
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Mamoiada is by exploring the shepherds’ paths that wind through the hillsides. These paths were once used to move the herds each season but now serve as trekking and biking itineraries for visitors. Along the way, you’ll come across ancient buildings in stone and wood called sos palmettos, where the shepherds produce ‘fiore card, ricotta, sa fought and case marts. These delicious cheeses are often spread on carasau, a traditional flatbread whose preparation is a family ritual.
Try the Cheese
The shepherds living in the hinterland of Sardinia produce one of the most typical varieties of Sardinian cheese in their Pinnetos, circular and conical constructions made of stone and tree trunks with a characteristic fireplace in the centre.
Today, many shepherds have modernized and produced cheese in small businesses, and pecorino cheese is the most produced variety of cheese in Mamoiada. Some people also make Paneddas, a type of cow’s cheese, unique Ricotta cheese, and exquisite milk products such as Frughe and Joddu (yoghurt).
When you visit Mamoiada, you can sample these cheeses by visiting the small shops of the local shepherds or the leading shops and markets in town. Savoury Ricotta is a particular variety with a wide range of cheese.
The ancient origins of Pecorino Sardo cheese make it an essential part of the island’s culture and history. The cheese’s continued popularity is a testament to the quality of the local cheese industry.
Try the Wine
As you explore the hillsides, you’ll be enveloped in the intense scents of vines that perfume the air. The local vineyards use these grapes to produce the renowned Cannonau and Granazza wines, a must-try for any wine lover. Vineyards surround the small town, and there are many cellars if you consider the town’s size.
A wine-tasting tour is the best way to discover the tradition and the making of these wines. They are reasonably priced (25-40 Euros).
Some of the best tours are:
Canneddu Winery Tour
Carnival of Mamoiada
The town is famous for its traditional masks, including the captivating Mamuthones and Issohadores worn during the annual Carnival of Mamoiada. This is held on the 17th of January for Sant’Antonio Abate.
You can also witness other fascinating local traditions, such as the ancient art of weaving and the making of traditional cheese and wine.
Mamoiada is known for its unique cultural traditions, including the parade of the Mamuthones and the Issohadores, where locals don traditional masks to celebrate good health and fertility.
These traditional masks are a sight to behold, with the young women of the town donning the typical masked costumes of the Mamuthones and the Issohadores during certain months of the year. The Mamuthones wear the black mask, while the Issohadores don the white mask. These masks are made of painted stone and are attached to a leather strap that goes around the waist of the wearer. On their back, they carry “sa carriage”, bells weighing about 30 kg, tied with leather straps.
You can watch as the parade of the Mamuthones and the Issohadores winds through the streets, accompanied by cowbells and drums. It’s truly a sight to behold!
Mediterranean Mask Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Mamoiada, visit the local museum, where you can discover the origins of the traditional masks and the parade. The museum has an impressive collection of traditional masks, including the famous Mamuthones and Issohadores masks.
Each mask has its unique history and meaning, and the museum’s knowledgeable staff are happy to guide you through the exhibits and answer any questions.
One of the museum’s highlights is seeing the masks up close and personal. You’ll be able to admire the intricate details of each mask, from the carved wooden features to the hand-painted designs. As you take in the beauty of the masks, you may even start to feel as if they’re coming to life!
But the Mamoiada Mask Museum is more than just a collection of masks. It’s also a place to learn about the cultural traditions passed down through generations. The museum features interactive exhibits that allow you to learn about the role of masks in Sardinian society and the various festivals and events where the masks are worn.
We were fascinated by the history and symbolism behind each mask, and it was like stepping into a different world where masks were more than just costumes – they were a way of life.
Opening Times: 10 am-6 pm. Closed on Tuesdays
Autumn in Barbagia Festival
If you’re lucky enough to visit in November, check out Tapas, a culinary event that is part of the Autumn in Barbagia festival. Here, you can sample hams, macarons de busa, bread fractal, roast suckling pig, boiled mutton, broad beans with lard and su sambeneddu – all of which are part of the agro-pastoral tradition.
Try the Pastries
Last, but not least, remember to indulge in the art of pastries and baking during your visit to Mamoiada. You can try the typical roulette, s’aranzada, often served during festivals and holidays.
Sa Perda Pintà
Sa Perda Pinta, meaning “the painted rock,” is a fascinating archaeological site near Mamoiada.
Visiting Sa Perda Pinta is a unique opportunity to explore the ancient history of Sardinia. This old stone stands at an impressive height of about 2.70 meters, with around 30-40 centimetres reaching below ground. Its width spans a maximum of 70 centimetres. Upon examining the Stele di Boeli, you will notice numerous concentric circles, some almost invisible, and many decorative cupels. The largest cupel has a diameter of 20 centimetres.
But what do these symbols represent? Though studies have yet to be conducted on the subject, most assumptions would trace the symbols back to the worship of the Mother Goddess. As the bearer of fertility and abundance, the symbols on the Stele di Boeli are believed to have been a means of showing devotion to the Goddess.
As you explore the Stele di Boeli and its intricate carvings, you will feel a connection to the ancient cultures that once worshipped this sacred stone.
Domus de Janas
Domus de Janas, meaning “house of fairies” in Sardinian language, are prehistoric chamber tombs carved into the rocks. One such site located near Mamoiada is the Domus de Janas di Istevene.
Dating back to the late Neolithic period, the site consists of five tombs, each with multiple chambers. The entrance to the tombs is narrow and low, leading to a larger central chamber and smaller side chambers. The tombs are decorated with intricate carvings of geometric patterns and figures of animals and humans.
You can observe the unique Sardinian prehistoric architecture and learn about the burial rituals and beliefs of the ancient Nuragic civilization.
Museum of Culture and Work
The Museum of Culture and Work in Mamoiada offers visitors a fascinating journey into the history and traditions of the area through the lens of traditional clothing. The museum showcases the transformations of society, highlighting the moments of celebration and mourning that mark the essence of community life in Mamoiada.
Visitors start their journey from the main room dedicated to the operational activities of Mamoiada and then wind through the thematic rooms that tell the story of a life that was still true until the middle of the last century. Traditional clothing is a pretext for observing societal changes without distorting its nature.
The museum is located on Via Sardegna, 17, and the entrance fee is €4 for adults and €2.50 for reduced tickets. You can also purchase a combined ticket to visit two or three museums at a reduced price.
Overall Thoughts
There are so many reasons to visit Mamoiada, Sardinia. From the fascinating history and traditions of the Mamuthones and Issohadores to the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area, this small town has something to offer everyone.
Take the chance to taste the delicious local cheese and indulge in the wine and sweet treats the town is known for.
But it’s not just about the food and culture. The people of Mamoiada are warm and welcoming, eager to share their stories and traditions with visitors. One visitor to the mask museum even reported being invited to a local festival by the curator after striking up a conversation about the history of the masks!
Photo Credits: averagelives.com