구스피니/구스피니 최고의 워킹 & 하이킹 경로

The Palazzo della Direzione building stands out in the midst of a now-abandoned village surrounded by nature; it is as contradictory as it is fascinating.

The Montevecchio Mine is one of the most representative sites of Sardinian industrial archaeology and is part of the UNESCO-recognized Geo-mining Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia. Mining operations, which began in 1848 and ended in 1991, made Montevecchio one of Europe's most important mining centers for lead and zinc production. The complex preserves washeries, shafts, workshops, warehouses, miners' quarters, and the management building with the adjoining church of Santa Barbara. Today, several guided tours are available that illustrate daily life in the mines and the technological evolution of the mining industry. Tours can be booked online at http://www.minieramontevecchio.it/ or at the Geo-mining Park information points.

On the Cuccur'e Zeppara hill, now incorporated into the town of Guspini, you can admire a spectacular wall of basalt prisms up to twenty meters high, perfectly arranged like organ pipes. The formation, created by the slow cooling of lava from an ancient volcanic cone, is considered one of the clearest in Italy and Europe. Declared a natural monument, the quarry can be visited via a short trail that allows for a close-up view of this rare geological feature, similar in shape to be seen only in Sicily, Veneto, Iceland, and a few other places in the world.

Montevecchio, also known as Gennas Serapis, is an ancient mining village now a hamlet of Guspini, nestled in the Geo-Mining Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia. Founded in the 19th century as the administrative center of the lead and zinc mines, it was established here. The village is home to the Montevecchio Mine information point and the Gennas Food and Wine Confraternity, a trattoria offering excellent food in a friendly, family-friendly atmosphere. They are usually open on weekends, but we recommend contacting them to check opening times, make reservations, and arrange for service. The owner is very helpful and is happy to welcome hungry travelers.

Built in 1915 and nearly 300 meters deep, the Amsicora Shaft was part of the Telle mine, between Montevecchio and Ingurtosu. Active for nearly a century, it is now an important symbol of industrial archaeology and workers' memory. In the 1990s, it was the site of a historic month-long occupation by miners in defense of workers' rights. Permanently closed in 1991, the site is now abandoned but retains an austere charm, immersed in the greenery and silence of the Arburese mountains.

Sardinia always hides some surprises, like this palace/castle with a very particular architecture. The history of the building is well summarized by a municipal sign placed right on the curve, under the magnificent neo-medieval style balcony. It is incredible to think that it was the headquarters of the company that managed the mines in the area.

Geological point of interest

Once past the mine, a few bends further you reach Montevecchio. The town housed the apartments of the mine managers and the highest officials who ran the mine, as well as accommodation for workers, barracks, hospital and schools, a post office, a chemical laboratory, and even a football pitch for the local team. Today inhabited by a few hundred people, most of the time you will struggle to find even a handful of them. The sound of the wind will be your only travel companion.