Gesturi

Population: 1,500
Altitude: 310m. above sea level


Gesturi is situated on the slopes of the Giara plateau, on the S.S. 197 road, about 65 km. from Cagliari. The town's economy is essentially based on agriculture, however, the beauty of the Giara and the surrounding territory, which abounds in archaeological sites, has meant that in recent years it has become a popular trip for tourists and nature lovers.

Gesturi's historical town centre is well preserved and it boasts a number of period manor houses which maintain their former glory. These buildings are characterised by an inner courtyard and impressive wooden entrance, which leads across the courtyard to a porch.

Following the road which leads to the Giara Park, visitors will come across the Nuragic village of "Bruncu Madagui", where there is the magnificent Nuraghe of "Bruncu Madili". This structure was once part of the Giara's ancient defence system and was connected to the settlements of Su Nuraxi and about ten other nuraghi which are situated further down the hillside. This network of structures protected the 50 sq. km of the Giara.

This pretty town boasts a number of beautiful churches, among which we particularly recommend the following:

• the Parish Church of La Madonna dell'Assunta
  This church is dedicated to Santa Teresa D'Avila, the Patron Saint of the town.
  It was built in the sixteenth century, in Gothic style and inside visitors can admire an extraordinary polyptych from the seventeenth century;
  
  
• the Church of Santa Barbara
  This Romanesque-Gothic church dates back to the fifteenth century;
  
  
• the Church of Santa Maria Egiziaca
  This church was built in the sixteenth century and is a fine example of late Gothic architecture.
  

Visitors must not miss the town's many fascinating festivals and celebrations. These are held throughout the year and include country festivals, religious processions, dancing in the main square, poetry recitals, folklore, traditional Sardinian music and sports contests.

The most important are as follows:

• The Festival of Madonna D'Itria (a three-day festival which is celebrated the Tuesday after Pentecost)
  
  
• The Festival of Sant'Isidoro (15/16 May)
  
  
• The Festival of San Giovanni Battista (24/25 June)
  
  
• The Festival of Santa Teresa D'Avila (15/16 October)
  
  
• The festival of La Madonna del Rosario (the first Sunday in October)
  

All these festivals conclude with a marvellous array of local food and wine and visitors have the chance to sample the delicious products and specialities from the area.