Luciano Zeppegno, writer and author of a series of books about the hidden beauties of many Italian regions, wrote:” Sardinia is truly a magic world, unequalled in the whole of Europe, and it outshines the islands of Greece, Dalmatia and Spain for thousands of reasons. Sardinia allows to go on extraordinary journeys, authentic rides among the sea, highlands, steep mountains and boundless woods, sporting rare varieties of beauty and a surprising archaeological and artistic heritage, also unique in its own way.”
This is even more truthful if referred to the inner areas of Sardinia, Barbagia and Ogliastra, preferred by this year’s Rally di Sardegna, in the search of tracks and resorts of an inner Sardinia, less known by the mass tourism. This does not mean that this side of Sardinia is less enchanting. Actually, it’s even more enchanting, most of all for those who want to discover the most hidden soul of Sardinia, still untamed and uncontaminated; together with its culture, history, customs, scents and flavours, all jealously preserved through the centuries by the many hospitable communities, as a result of their being modern but still in touch with their ancestral civilization.
The Chamber of Commerce of Nuoro, sponsor also this year of the Rally, draws its attention to this important and peculiar heritage, through Aspen, an enterprise devoted to the economic promotion of Nuorese, the district which will host the Rally for four stages. “Aspen – says its President Gian Marco Meloni – invites all the people involved in the Rally, pilots, assistants, team managers, journalists, followers and organizers, to discover this side of Sardinia, especially in Spring and Autumn, the best seasons for those travellers who, even on their motorcycles, are in the search of what the Nuorese area can offer, in addition to its beaches.”
Romolo Pisano, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Nuoro, presenting the events of Autumn in Barbagia, wrote: “You’re invited to have a walk along the bricked houses of the historical centres, see the artisans at work, taste the genuine flavours of the typical products, discover the secrets of a millenary culture in the enchanting set of the uncontaminated nature of the Heart of Sardinia, where its small towns open the doors of their marvellous and charming paths. In Autumn and Spring these small communities embrace their guests, leaving unforgettable emotions deep in their hearts.
The Chamber of Commerce believes that the development of the territory can be achieved also re-discovering the local flavours, the typical products of the many small firms, where quality meets concreteness and tradition meets modernity. Above all, it’s the sense of belonging to an ancient land, with an authentic soul, sweet and austere at the same time, that takes the visitor on a dreamlike dimension, far away from the noise of the hectic reality of modern civilization, which too often is without soul.”
This is the region that the ancient Romans called Barbagia, as it took them many decades to break into it even with their powerful legions, and it’s the last region in Europe touched by Christianity, thus leaving intact the pagan ceremonies and feasts, that even today are preserved as cultural heritage along with the most enchanting Christian ceremonies by the communities that have defended and still defend a natural , uncontaminated and charming environment.

Photos by Aspen Nuoro