Monte Ortobene

Mount Ortobene is affectionately known as "the mountain of the Nuoresi" rising to the east of the city of Nuoro, reaching an elevation of 955 meters above sea level.

Clearly visible from the city, at an altitude of 925 meters, stands the imposing bronze statue of Christ the Redeemer.

In addition to its lush vegetation and rich wildlife, it preserves stories, traditions, and ancient legends that are still waiting to be discovered.

The main road leading up the mountain is Provincial Road 42, which begins at the Chiesetta della Solitudine (Chapel of Solitude). The road splits into two branches forming a ring, connecting all the main locations on the mountain.

This green heart of Nuoro has numerous nature trails winding through forests, rock formations, plant life, and natural springs. The most popular route is Trail 101, a 4-kilometer path (8 km round-trip) starting at the Chiesetta della Solitudine and leading up to the Redeemer statue.

The mountain has two main parks:

• Sedda Ortai Park, featuring a bike path and a roller skating rink.
• The Redeemer Park (also known as “the ring”), which includes a playground, picnic areas, refreshment points. In 2020, a bronze statue of Grazia Deledda, created by artist Pietro Longu, was installed along the park road.

Of particular interest is “Sa Conca” or “The Mushroom”, located near the road to Sedda Ortai. This is a unique shepherd’s shelter carved into a massive rock - one of a kind in Sardinia.

Descending from the Redeemer Park on the side opposite the city offers spectacular panoramic views of the Oliena valley and mountains, and on clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of the Baronia coastline in the distance.

Other notable areas include:

• Farcana, home to an outdoor municipal swimming pool and a horse-riding center.
• Solotti, where the Diocesan House “San Giovanni Youth Center” (commonly known as the “Bishop’s House”) is located, used for retreats and spiritual gatherings.
• The ruins of the Hotel Esit, built in the 1950s.

There are also numerous natural springs, although many are currently dry.

At the foot of the mountain, in the areas of Borbore, Janna Bentosa, and Maria Frunza, lie several Domus de Janas (literally "fairy houses") - prehistoric tombs dating back to the Neolithic period. In the Valverde area, you can also find the ruins of three ancient churches: Sa Itria, Santu Jacu, and Santu Tomeu.

At the summit of Mount Ortobene are two rural churches:

• The first, built in 1608, is dedicated to the Madonna del Monte Nero. According to legend, it was founded by the Pirella brothers, who built it in gratitude after surviving a storm on their way back from a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Montenero in Livorno.
• The second, built in the 1950s, is dedicated to Saint John Gualbert, the patron saint of foresters.

 

Church "Nostra Signora de Su Monte" Madonna del Monte Nero (internal)