Assemini

Assemini is a town in the Cagliari metropolitan area, on the Campidano plain, between the Santa Gilla lagoon and the Sulcis mountains. It is known throughout Sardinia as the town of pottery: for centuries its workshops have made vases, jugs and tableware in terracotta, and the tradition of master potters, is congiolargius, is still alive. Assemini also keeps one of the oldest monuments of Christian Sardinia, the Byzantine church of San Giovanni, and a territory ranging from lagoons full of flamingos to the woods of Monte Arcosu.

History

The area was inhabited in the Nuragic age, and in Punic and Roman times it was linked to nearby Karales and to the lagoon, rich in fish and salt. In the Early Middle Ages, in the Byzantine period, Assemini was an important centre, as the church of San Giovanni with its Greek inscriptions shows. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Giudicato of Cagliari, and according to some historians the judges lived here for a time. Under the Pisans, Aragonese and Spanish it became a farming and craft centre. In the 20th century it grew with the Macchiareddu industrial zone and the expansion of Cagliari.

The church of San Giovanni

The church of San Giovanni Battista is a small jewel of Byzantine architecture in Sardinia. Probably built in the 10th century, it has a Greek cross plan with a central dome and is one of the oldest buildings on the island still in use. Inside, Greek inscriptions were found recalling the judges of Cagliari, evidence of ties with Byzantium. Nearby stands the parish church of San Pietro, in Catalan Gothic style, with a fine stone façade.

Pottery

Assemini pottery is born from the clay of the Campidano, dug from the land around the town. For centuries families of potters made everyday objects, such as water jugs, is marigas, cooking pots and large containers for oil and grain, sold all over the island. Today craft workshops also make artistic and decorative ceramics and can be visited to watch work at the wheel.

Nature

The Assemini area includes part of the Santa Gilla lagoon, one of Sardinia's largest wetlands, with flamingos, herons and many migratory birds. To the south-west rise the Sulcis mountains, with the WWF oasis of Monte Arcosu, one of the most important reserves for the Sardinian deer, also reached from Uta, with trails through holm and cork oak woods and streams.

Festivals

The main festival is that of San Pietro, the patron, in late June, with procession and celebrations. The feast of San Giovanni is also held, with a procession to the Byzantine church. Assemini also organises events devoted to pottery, and in January the Sant'Antonio bonfires. Festivals feature traditional costumes and launeddas.

Food

Assemini cooking combines the land of the Campidano and the lagoon: lagoon fish such as grey mullet and eel, clams, malloreddus, culurgiones, roast meats and garden vegetables. Sweets include pardulas, amaretti and pabassinas. The wines are Cannonau, Monica and Nuragus.

Getting there

Assemini is about 15 minutes from Cagliari and linked to the city by rail and the SS130. Cagliari Elmas airport is a few minutes away. From here you easily reach Elmas, Decimomannu, Uta, Capoterra and the south-west coast towards Pula and Chia.

What to see

• Church of San Giovanni, bizantina
• Parish church of San Pietro (16th century)
• Botteghe della ceramica
• Lagoon of Santa Gilla

Festivals and traditions

• Matrimonio assemineseJuly
• Santa Lucia13 December

Nearby beaches

• Poetto17 km

Nearby hikes

• Sella del Diavolo17 km

Nearby towns

• Elmas · 4 km
• Decimomannu · 4 km
• Uta · 5 km
• Villaspeciosa · 7 km
• San Sperate · 7 km
• Sestu · 7 km
• Decimoputzu · 9 km
• Monastir · 11 km

Sources: Grande Enciclopedia della Sardegna; ISTAT. Original texts by Gotosardinia.