Discover the Charm of Sant’Antonio di Gallura
Sant’Antonio di Gallura, also known as Sant’Antòni di Caragnàni in Gallurese and Sant’Antòni de Calanzànos in Sardinian, is a captivating Italian municipality nestled in the province of Sassari, in the heart of historic Gallura. With a population of 1488 inhabitants, this picturesque town stands on a hill at 357 meters above sea level, surrounded by deep valleys and oak forests.
The historical roots of Sant’Antonio date back to the pre-Nuragic era, with evident signs of human presence since ancient times. The lands of Sant’Antonio border Luogosanto, Olbia, and Arzachena, areas rich in archaeological finds that testify to the life and millennial traditions of the region.
- Uncover the hidden treasures of the area: Lu Nurachéddu, Lu Mònti di lu Naràcu, and Monti di Lu Naracu are just some of the charming locations that preserve traces of the Nuragic past.
- Admire the megalithic wall near the city center, a testament to the ancient history that permeates the surrounding landscape.
The official foundation of Sant’Antonio dates back to the twentieth century when a small settlement developed around the church in the territory of Calangianus. Over the years, the town has seen its population grow until it gained autonomy in 1979, separating from Calangianus along with the village of Priatu.
Today, Sant’Antonio welcomes a multicultural community with a strong foreign resident presence. The local dialect is Gallurese, enriching the cultural fabric of the place with its linguistic roots.
The local economy is based on agriculture, livestock breeding, and cork extraction. During summer months, many residents move towards Arzachena and Olbia to work in seasonal tourism industry.
The municipal territory is crossed by the historic Sassari-Tempio-Palau railway used in past for public transport and now dedicated to tourist tours linked to charming Trenino Verde. The railway stations include those of Sant’Antonio and stops at Rio Piatto and Lago del Liscia.
