Discover the charm of Villamar, a picturesque town in the heart of Sardinia, also known as Mara Arbarei in Sardinian. With a population of 2642 inhabitants, this gem in the province of South Sardinia is nestled in the captivating historical subregion of Marmilla.
Villamar’s historical roots date back to the Neolithic and Nuragic era, with ancient nuraghi dotting the landscape. Traces of the Roman era are still visible through scattered archaeological remains in the surrounding countryside.
The original name Mara Arbarei reveals its connection to the Judicature of Arborea, with “mara” meaning “swamp”. Moreover, the term “Barbaraghesa” refers to the ascent towards Barbagie in central Sardinia that begins right from this ancient village.
Under Aragonese rule in the 15th century, Villamar flourished as a settlement. In 1409, King Martin I of Aragon granted the fiefdom to Gerardo Dedoni as a reward for his services to the Aragonese kingdom. Over the centuries, the fiefdom became a county and then passed on to the Aymerich family until the abolition of feudalism in 1839.
Today, Villamar is an autonomous municipality governed by a mayor and a municipal council. The spoken language is Western Campidanese, and local traditions are reflected in magnificent murals adorning the facades of houses in the village.
- Experience authentic Sardinia in Villamar
- Admire ancient nuraghi and Roman traces in the area
- Immerse yourself in local culture through Western Campidanese language
- Enjoy the artistry of murals enriching the urban landscape
Visit Villamar for a true Sardinian experience and be enchanted by its millennia-old history.
