Dolianova

Population: approx. 8,500
Altitude: 212m. above sea level

Dolianova is situated in a hilly area to the north east of Cagliari, on the S.S. 387 road.
This large town was formed in 1905 from the union of the two medieval towns of Sicci S. Biagio and San Pantaleo.

The first human settlements date back to the Nuragic period and the area boasts about 20 Nuraghi in total. The presence of these ancient structures is testimony to Dolianova's important role in both hunting and defence.

The most recent settlements are "Sa Dom'è S'Ossu", which dates back to the Phoenician-Punic period, and those of "Mitza Salamu", where 36 votive masks depicting human faces were uncovered.
Numerous other fascinating remains have been discovered here, such as Nuragic bronze statues, terracotta objects from the Phoenician period and gold jewellery from the Roman era.

Dolianova's economy is based essentially on agricultural and pastoral activities. The hills of the Parteolla region, which surround the town, provide not only ideal pasture and vine growing land, but also the perfect environment for olive trees. In fact, the area's name derives from the word the Romans used to refer to the region (Partes Olea), which indicates olive cultivation.

The area's most important agricultural activities are the production of olive oil and the exceptional eating olives, wine, in particular Nuragus and Monica, and the production of sheep's cheese, both fresh and mature, as well as other types of cheese, sold both at home and abroad.

Things not to miss:

• the Church of S.Biagio:
  This church is a wonderful example of late Gothic architecture (1500) and boasts a magnificent doorway and presbytery.
  
  
  
• the Cathedral of San Pantaleo:
  The Cathedral is situated in the town centre and was not only the Parish Church, but also the centre of the diocese of Dolia, which was later suppressed.
  Construction began in 1160 and was finally finished between 1261 and 1289. The Cathedral stands on the site of previous early Christian and Byzantine structures.
  The Basilica has a central nave and two side aisles. The central nave is formed by arches supported on six columns, which have capitals beautifully sculptured with floral and animal motifs.
  The architrave above the central doorway on the cathedral's facade consists of a monolith sculptured into the shape of a serpent.
  Near the apse visitors can admire a fascinating christening font, dating from the V or VI century, two Baroque altars and the marble pulpit.
  

There are also a number of very well preserved Nuraghi: S'Ome e S'Orcu, San Giovanni, Sa Tanca and Predi Fadda.

The most important festivals for the inhabitants of Dolianova are linked to the two main saints: San Pantaleo and San Biagio.
Both saints are honoured twice a year with a religious celebration and a civil one with dancing, singing, poetry recitals, folklore and local gastronomic specialities.

The festival dedicated to San Pantaleo is the most important and the religious celebration is celebrated 15 days after Easter, whilst the civil celebration is held on 27 July.

The religious celebration dedicated to San Biagio is held on 3 February, whilst the civil celebration takes place on the last Sunday in August.

The town lies just a short distance from Cagliari and, therefore, visitors are not far from beautiful coasts and mountains, as well as numerous places of great artistic interest.