VIVA - New Active Tourism Itineraries in Villanova
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The territory of Villanova Monteleone
From the mountains to the sea among churches of the old town centre and rural shrines in the footsteps of the mysterious prehistory leading to the clear sea of the coast.
Technical info
Type
A pathway of historical, archaeological and panoramic interest.
Degree of difficulty
Low difficulty route on easy terrain.
Time required
About 4 or 8 hours.
Practicability
Walking and bicycle route.
Departure
Info Point in Villanova Monteleone.
Description
The most important monument, located in the village, is the Church of San Leonardo da Limoges, located along the SS 292, which crosses the town constituting its main street, Via Nazionale. Dating back to the sixteenth century, built in Gothic-Aragonese style, the church was rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in 1789, while the façade was transformed in 1960 and in 1996. Inside it is still possible to see traces of the Gothic-Aragonese style. It is characterised by a single nave and, the side chapels hold two valuable wooden altars dating back to the eighteenth century.
Proceeding along the same street is the Oratory of Santa Croce of the early sixteenth century, with a single nave, side chapels and a precious wooden altar. Coming back and turning left towards Via Vittorio Alfieri you get to Via del Rosario, where there is the Church of the Madonna del Rosario (Lady of the Rosary) which was probably built during the seventeenth century. A double staircase leads to the entrance, characterised by a wooden portal of the contemporary period.
After visiting the church, proceed towards Via Roma where it is possible to see the former school building of the late nineteenth century, Palatu ‘e sas Iscolas and, a little further ahead, the Ethnographic Museum.
For lovers of trekking it is possible to walk towards the exit of the town, although the use of bicycles is recommended. Then proceed towards the S.P. 12, on the road connecting Villanova Monteleone to Montresta. At about 3 km from the village, visible at the left side of the road, there is an example of religious architecture: the Shrine of the Madonna of Interrios built during the second half of the sixteenth century, characterised by a rectangular plan and a single nave, with two side chapels and a “barrel” roof. During the eighteenth century the façade was modified, through the creation of the portal with architrave and decorated jambs.
Continuing along the S.P. 12, in the direction of Montresta, after about 5 km there is the tourist sign indicating the complex of Nuraghe Appiu, which can be reached by taking a small side street on the right, about 3 km long.
Going back along the same road and reaching the town again, continue along Via Nazionale to exit from the other side of the town, in the direction of Alghero, to reach the coast and the beach of Poglina thanks to the junction between the S.S. 292 and the S.P. 105 Bosa-Alghero coast road. However, for the more adventurous equipped with a mountain bike, it is possible to continue from the archaeological area along the dirt road that leads, after about 4 km of sharp rise, directly to the coast at Sa Pazzosa. After turning into the Alghero-Bosa coastal road, go up towards Villanova Monteleone, right along the beautiful rocky coast that hides small but enchanting beaches.