In 1981, a blue ribbon connected the houses of Ulassai with Monte Gedili in Maria Lai’s art action “Legarsi alla montagna.” Ulassai brings together urban architecture, nature and artworks as an open-air museum. The town can be explored through its cultural works as well as its karst landscape.
Art and local history
The action is considered one of the first relational art actions in Italy. A blue ribbon about 27 kilometres long was cut, distributed and fastened between the houses until it reached Monte Gedili. The ribbon was therefore not just a single art object: its creation incorporated the town’s houses and the mountain into the work.
Stazione dell'Arte is a contemporary art museum dedicated to Maria Lai’s personal and artistic journey. CaMuC – Casa Museo Cannas is also a contemporary art museum and is located in the heart of Ulassai’s historic centre. The house was built in the early years of the 20th century and played a major role in shaping the town’s social and economic history. The cultural offering features two distinct focuses: Maria Lai’s journey at Stazione dell'Arte, and art and Ulassai’s local history at CaMuC.
The construction of CaMuC in the early years of the 20th century and Lai’s action in 1981 reveal two different periods. Ulassai’s cultural story thus spans life in the historic town through to the relational art of the late 20th century.
Karst, trails and wildlife
Grotta Su Marmuri is about 850 metres long and reaches heights of up to 70 metres. Its length and maximum height describe two different dimensions of the cave. Wildlife lives in the evergreen forests of the Tacchi and is protected by the Oasi faunistica di Girisai.
The limestone Tacchi near Ulassai are a destination for free climbers from all over the world. Visitors can also walk dozens of trails between the karst rocks. This offers different ways to get around: free climbing on the Tacchi and hiking on trails through the karst.
A culinary highlight
The cuisine of Ogliastra can also be a reason in itself to travel. The Su Bullicciu restaurant offers a lunch in the cave featuring typical Ogliastra cuisine. This adds a culinary highlight alongside the cultural and landscape themes. If you plan to make this meal a firm part of your itinerary, check the latest opening details in advance.
Shape your stay around your interests
This comparison can help you weigh up your interests. If you consider the different focuses equally important, you can also factor in lunch at Su Bullicciu as a culinary highlight.
Discover more destinations: Lanusei, Girasole, Triei, Elini, Ussassai, Arzana, Gairo, Villanova Strisaili
For the overarching travel overview: Ogliastra.
