Pubblicato venerdì, 30 novembre 2007
Ultimo aggiornamento sabato, 19 luglio 2008

The territory

Geographically, Seneghe is located within the province of Oristano, at approximately 40°5′ North and 8°37′ East and the town’s area covers 58km2 in total. It has six neighbouring towns: Santulussurgiu to the north, Bonarcado to the east, Milis to the south-east, San Vero Milis to the south, Narbolia to the south-west, and to the west, Cuglieri.

The town is approximately 350 m above sea level, and beautiful panoramas of the Campidano, Golfo of Oristano, Mountain Arci and Grighine, and the Gennargentu’s mountaintop can be seen. As a bird flies, Seneghe is located 15km from the Mediterranean Sea and 25km from the provincial capital Oristano.
Pasture, crop lands, vineyards and olive groves surround the town and cover part of Sos Paris; a mountain that reaches 800m above sea level, with the highest areas nearby Nuraghe Ruju. The mountain is also rich in oak trees, including cork oak.

Cadennaghe, Sos Paris and Funtanas are locations where the citizens of Seneghe have a right to use the resources, such as pasture land and timber. Seneghe used to own another location called Biarzu. However, in January of 1863, the State reclaimed 200.000 hectares of land, which contained Biarzu, for the construction of the railroad.

Another precious resource that the seneghesi have always benefited from are the local springs, some of which have been channeled to town since the middle of the XIX century. Several examples are Su Au de sa Idi, S’Iscala, S’Abba Lughida, Birdambuli, Achettore, Nuraghe Ruju, Padassiu, Prumosa, Funtana Fraiga, and there are many other minor spring sources. Many springs are referenced in old documents because people from Oristano used to collect water from Seneghe for its perceived beneficial and curative properties. Many of the springs also have an area for picnic and relaxation.

Behind the mountain, near Santa Caterina di Pittinuri, there is an area called Sa Muntraba. This area consists of rolling hills covered in low vegetation and dense bushes. There is an old abandoned mine in one of its hills, called Su Monte de su Ferru. It was abandoned because the mineralogical results were not satisfactory or profitable.

Land in Seneghe is divided by traditional un-cemented stone walls. Access in the past was through wooden gates held by stone pillars, or by a simple closures made from spiny wood. Today most of the wooden gates have been replaced by iron ones.

In the past, the creeks in the valley to the south of Seneghe powered many mills: a monograph described the remains of over twenty water powered flour mills along one creek, which supports that there were many more along the other creeks.

Currently agricultural activities are almost not existent, therefore, you cannot admire planted fields as they were in the past. On the contrary, due to the care of owners, olive groves and vineyards still enhance the countryside and have maintained their beauty and environmental value. Raising animals remains the most prevalent activity, especially ovine and bovine.

The climate of the area is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Winter snow is not frequent, and it usually appears for a short time on the mountain above the town.

Research and text by Stephen Flore
English translation by Martina Mussi
Last updated on January 25, 2008