Gal Marmilla

Gonnosnò stands at the western slopes of the Giara of Gesturi , on a hill 195 metres above sea level. The name Gonnosnò probably have roots in its position, considering the connection of the pre-Latin base "gon" (which means "mount, hillside") with another element, “neòs”, erudite tradition imputes to the greek term meaning “temple” or “new”. About the origin of the name of Figu hamlet, there are two theories: according to the first one it derives by the legendary bandit Figu’s name; according to the second one, much more plausible, it is connected to the copious presence of fig-trees.

In the area there are many archaeological sites of nuraghic origin: Emmauru, Marattu, Nieddu, Salibera, Su Sensu, Terremoti, Tramata. Nearby St. Salvatore of Figu archaeologists dug up Sas Lapideddas Giants Tombs, ancient sepulchres made up of big blocks of stone, and St. Salvatore’s sacred well, utilized since the Nuraghic epoch to celebrate rites linked to pagan water cult.

On a spur of the Giara facing the village, there is Bruncu Sergiu archaeological site, where there were uncovered carved blocks, remains of Punic and Roman period buildings and pottery.

The historic centre of the village is characterized by tortuous alleys, overlooked by ancient stone houses with splendid portals. One of these ancient private houses hosts the ethnographic Museum and the Peasant Culture permanent exhibition, documenting everyday activities of agro pastoral culture, with special focus on the ancient apicultural art, that has a whole dedicated section. The ethnographic Museum allows people to rediscover the main instruments of the Peasant Culture, through a vast exposition of viticulture and farming tools, kitchen iron utensils, ancient costumes and bedrooms.

In the historical centre there is also one of the most ancient churches. St. Helen’s Church contains an important seventeenth century wood inlaid altar dedicated to St. Basilio.

Of special interest is also the production connected to typical Sardinian handicrafts: hangings, carpets, shawls, blankets, curtains and cushions are produced as per ancient weaving techniques, reproposing Byzantine art classic motifs.

Municipality web site: www.comune.gonnosno.or.it