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The Alto Flumendosa Ecomuseum was founded in 2002 and aimed at the protection and enhancement of the environmental heritage of Barbagia di Seulo – a protected area established around the natural monument of “Su Stampu ‘e su Turrunu” – and the valley of Alto Flumendosa, between the lakes of Bau Muggeris and Villanovatulo.

This is a predominantly mountainous area with typical limestone plateaus and rich heritage of biotopes, monumental trees, rural architecture and archaeological remains from the Neolithic Period. It is currently managed by the Flumendosa Cooperative, in collaboration with the Municipality of Seulo and some local associations.

The Ecomuseum offers several activities aimed at the local development and active involvement of the population, as well as guided tours on themed itineraries like the natural environment and its geology, the botanical peculiarities of the forest heritage, the agricultural landscapes, pastoralism, water management, architecture and urban settlements.

Flora and fauna

The prevailing type of woods found in Barbagia di Seulo, in the province of Cagliari, are those made of holm oaks, but there are also fairly extensive groups of oaks, chestnuts, walnuts and hazelnuts. The undergrowth mainly consists of plants such as cistus, strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo), juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus), mastic trees (Pistacia lentiscus), and common heather (Calluna vulgaris); in April, visitors can enjoy the flowering of many wondrous dog roses (Rosa canina). There are also aromatic plants such as myrtle, rosemary and thyme, as well as splendid floral species like orchids, cyclamen, hawthorns, and peonies.

Several excursions are available: one to the peaks of Mount Perdedu (the ideal habitat of the endemic Paeonia coriacea) and another to the bed of the Flumendosa River. Other suggested itineraries take visitors to Barbagia di Seulo and karstic areas among streams, springs, natural pools, caves and waterfalls – all the way up to “Su Stampu ‘and su Turrunu”, a karstic sinkhole in the forest of Addolì, mainly inhabited by bats and newts and featuring three main tunnels (only one of them can be safely visited with local guides).

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)