Discover Fordongianus, also known as Fordongianis in the local variant, a charming Italian municipality with 886 inhabitants nestled in the province of Oristano in Sardinia. This picturesque town is located in the historic region of Barigadu, along the left bank of the Tirso River valley.
The city traces its roots to the ancient remains of the fortified settlement of Forum Traiani and boasts an important thermal complex dating back to the 1st century AD from Roman times. Strategically positioned amidst the mountains of the Tirso valley, Fordongianus serves as a natural passage between the plain and the hinterland, playing a crucial role in connecting different communities.
- Roman Baths
- Forum Traiani
- Barigadu
Despite its misleading name suggesting its origin, Forum Traiani indicates that the city was conceived as a peaceful meeting and trading point between various Romanized populations and those still independent.
Founded on a natural source of healing hot water, Fordongianus thrived as a renowned spa town from its inception. The baths included facilities like calidarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium while showcasing significant archaeological findings linked to health cults dedicated to water deities.
- Tirso Valley Mountains
- Thermal Culture
- Roman History
In bygone eras, Fordongianus served as an episcopal seat and later became a fiefdom of local noble families. Today, the city is rediscovering its thermal heritage with new accommodation facilities highlighting the beneficial waters from natural springs in the area.
Fordongianus’ thermal waters are classified as chloride-sodium and thermoactive gushing at a constant temperature of 56°C throughout the year. These waters have shown beneficial effects on physical and mental well-being due to their immunological properties.
- Trachyte Stones
- Red Trachyte Quarries
- Local Stonemasons
Besides its baths, Fordongianus is famous for red trachyte quarries used to build distinctive local houses. Trachyte is not only utilized for buildings but also for decorative works embellishing the city’s surroundings.
In the heart of Fordongianus stands a historic house dating back to the Sixteenth-Seventeenth century called “Casa Aragonese” for its Gothic-Aragonese decorative elements. Currently divided into a museum and municipal structure, this residence is a symbol of local architectural elegance.
Fordongianus boasts a rich cultural and artistic heritage reflected in its historical monuments and local traditions. With its millennia-old baths and stunning landscapes, this captivating town offers visitors an authentic experience in the heart of Sardinia.
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