Sinnai

Population: approx. 15,000
Altitude: 133m. above sea level


Sinnai lies 12 km. to the north-east of Cagliari, between the Campidano district and Monte Serpeddì. It is within easy reach of the Chief Town via Settimo S.Pietro.

The area has been inhabited by man since pre-Nuragic times, however, the settlement developed in the Medieval period and today it is a large town with a healthy economy based on agricultural and pastoral activities, as well as handicraft and tourism.

The territory boasts some large forests, dense expanses of Mediterranean shrub land and coastal areas with extraordinary beaches (Solanas). Among the most fascinating places to visit we recommend the "Parco dei Sette Fratelli". This nature reserve is home to the famous Sardinian deer and there is also a museum dedicated to this splendid animal.


The churches in Sinnai are particularly interesting from an architectural point of view.
The former Parish Church of Santa Vittoria (XI-XII century) is situated in the western outskirts of the town. The church is dedicated to the Saint who was martyrized in the countryside around Sinnai.

This Romanesque church, originally with a central nave and two side aisles, boasts a beautiful retable attributed to Lorenzo Cavaro, a painter from the School of Stampace, who lived and worked in Cagliari between the 1500s and the 1600s.

The Parish Church of Santa Barbara (XVII-XVIII) is situated in the historical town centre of Sinnai. It presents Gothic-Aragonese structures and inside hosts paintings and wooden sculptures of great value.
The town of Sinnai is also noted for the handicraft of its skilled artisans. The most popular activities are basket weaving, knife making, carpentry and the production of jewellery.

• Baskets
  Sinnai is considered the leader in the artisan production of baskets.
  The characteristic baskets are made from woven vegetable fibres, such as straw and reeds, and come in various shapes, sizes and designs.
  
  
• Knives
  The splendid knives, known as "arresoias", are made from the working of steel and ram's horns. These artisan knives are produced according to tradition and in the ancient shapes, and have become genuine collectors' items all over the world.
  
  
• Carpentry
  Skilled carpenters produce characteristic instruments for the house and for work: sieves, spoons, forks, ladles, saltcellars, chopping boards and other utensils.
  
  
• Jewellery
  Jewellery in gold filigree represents an important tradition all over the island and Sinnai is no exception. Local artisans produce splendid works of art in gold, according to ancient methods and designs.
  
  "The Basket Fair" takes place in August (21 and 29) and visitors can admire these fascinating works of art, as well as many other beautiful creations made by local craftsmen.
  
  Among the many local festivals the most important are:

• Sant'Isidoro (May)
  This festival alternates religious rites with civil celebrations.
  During the festival there is singing, dancing, music concerts and poetry recitals.
  
  
• Santa Vittoria (June)
  This festival lasts 15 days, during which time the Sheep Shearing Festival takes place. While the shepherds shear the sheep, local people prepare the delicious "pecora in cappotto" (boiled lamb), which is offered to participants and visitors, accompanied with cheese, bread and wine.
  
  "The Sweet Fair" is held in September and visitors have the chance to sample the delicious traditional sweets: "su gateau", "is candelaus", "su pani e saba", "is amarettus" and "is pistoccus".
  Visitors can also admire the traditional, decorated bread, which is a local gastronomic speciality and is made in various shapes.