The mighty Monte Arcuentu is part of a mountain range that runs for 8km parallel to the beaches of the Costa Verde. It is part of the territory of Arbus, which is 11km away, and it is near the Montevecchio Mines, once the economic reference point of the area and today an open air museum of industrial archaeology. The name Arkù indicates the arched shape of the summit that, when seen from Piscinas and Scivu, looks like a dolomitic tower.
From the summit of Arcuentu, landscapes of the nearby mountains of Arci and Linas, from the Gulf of Oristano to the Costa Verde and from the valley of Campidano to the peaks of Montiferru, Sette Fratelli and Gennargentu loom.
The rocks – tuff and basalt of volcanic origin – alternate with aiguilles and towers. Along the slopes, there are flowing torrents that have created deep, narrow valleys. The trail from the mines to the summit, at 785m, is rich of woods of holm oaks and Mediterranean scrub, broom and orchids.
Punic oil lamps and a storage room containing coins were found in the mountain area, while a necropolis from the Roman period was discovered on the slopes. At the top, there are the ruins of an ancient fortress, dating back to 1164 or earlier. It then became a monastery of the Vallombrosan order and flourished for three centuries before its decline and use as an arsenal.
Fondazione Sardegna Film Commission
Via Malta 63 — 09124 Cagliari
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Email: filmcommission@regione.sardegna.it
