Itinerary: C1, C2
Iglesias
Zoom
Photo
Print
Description
A relaxed sort of a town with a reasonable sized historic centre in various states of decay, several churches, and a surrounding countryside littered with the remnant infrastructure of very extensive past mining activities. The mining activities around Iglesias and the surrounding hills and mountains have in-fact been the reason for the towns existence for centuries and have played an important role also in the history and development of Sardinia itself. Whilst today the actual mining activity is all but finished, the infrastructure left over provides several interesting options for the visitor to the area (see www.igeaminiere.it ).
The FS train from Cagliari (C1, C2) arrives at the station not far from the historic centre in Via Garibaldi, however the Bus terminus is located a few blocks away so it is wise to arrive with a map.
To get to the historic centre walk NW along Via Garibaldi from the exit to the FS station until arriving at Piazza Sella on the right hand side of Via Garibaldi. Continuing straight ahead in the same direction as Via Garibaldi will plunge you into the historic centre.
To get to the Chiesa Signora di Buon Cammino you need to find Via Campidano which runs uphill opposite where Via Roma intersects with Via Cattaneo (SS126) at a small Piazza called Porta Nuova. At the top of the short uphill street Via Campidano swings right and follows around the outside of the old towns defensive walls (signposted to Muro Pisano). After following the walls for a few 100 metres the road then swings sharply up to the left, leaving the wall, and climbs steeply. It is about a 20 minute walk from the FS station to the top of the hill where the simple white Chiesa di Buon Cammino is located, with the climb being rewarded by good views across the town, along the valley to the East towards Cagliari, and also over some of the surrounding mining infrastructure and disturbed lands, including some of the recently rehabilitated lands.
The FMS Busses for Nebida (C1, C2) and for Flumminimaggiore (C1, C2) depart from the bus stop which is a large rusty metal passenger shelter located in front of the Giardini Pubblici on Via Oristano. To get there from the FS station, turn left and walk along Via Garibaldi to Piazza Sella, then left into Via Gramsci (on some maps called Via Roma), then left again into Via Vittorio Veneto and right into Via Oristano. The bus shelter and the Giardini Pubblici are both right in front of you (hard to miss as there is usually a fair crowd of people). If you have to wait a little while for a bus then the Giardini Pubblici is not a bad (and nicely shaded) spot to do it. Across the road from the Bus shelter, on Via Oristano, is a Bar where tickets can be bought. If going to Nebida it is best to buy also a second ticket for the return journey as it can be difficult to buy tickets in Nebida depending upon the time of day you wish to return.