Attractions and Places To See around Gadoni - Top 20

Sardinia's largest urban park lies on the border between the provinces of Oristano and Nuoro, a botanical paradise of rare plants and a wonderful destination for nature lovers. In the historic area of Sarcidano there is a place where you can take beautiful walks along nature trails surrounded by countless plant species and medieval ruins: the Ayermich Park, a 22-hectare oasis that until 1990 was the property of the margraves, the feudal ones owners of this oasis of land. The creator of this nature reserve was Don Ignazio Ayermich Ripoli, a botanist who brought back rare plants from his numerous trips abroad from the mid-19th century. It is an unusual excursion since it is located in the heart of the town of Laconi, about 60 km from Oristano and 90 km from Cagliari. The walk takes you through alleys decorated with a fresh and lively atmosphere. It begins in a forest of oaks, olive groves and black locust trees, dotted with natural ponds, streams, waterfalls and ponds. As you venture deeper into the park you will see a wide variety of orchids, including native ones such as Ophris laconensis and Sarcidanis. Among the tree avenues are unusual forms of vegetation such as Pyracantha coccinea and Collectia cruciata, whose leaves resemble military aircraft, as well as exotic plants such as the majestic Lebanon and Himalayan cedar, trees of exceptional size. Then there are plants from not far away but not common plants such as the Corsican pine, the Fagus sylvatica, the southern magnolia and the Taxus baccata, known as the “tree of death”. Water is a recurring theme and a source of life for the park. It flows in abundance all year round, forming rivers that then fall, such as the Cascata Maggiore or "great waterfalls", one of the park's many attractions. Source: https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/en/explore/parco-aymerich

In the middle of the Parco Aymerich you can see the ruins of a medieval castle, built in the 13th century to keep an eye on the border between the Guidicato of Arborea and that of Cagliari. This has also been claimed by each of these governments. The main tower is of Spanish origin and was converted into a prison in the 18th century. It is a two-story rectangular building with an arched entrance and a barrel-vaulted ceiling leading to a spacious courtyard. The building's doors and windows are decorated with elegant Catalan Gothic frames. A portico leads to a 35 m long room divided into different rooms. The noble residents lived on the upper floor and the servants lived on the lower floor. Source: https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/en/explore/parco-aymerich

6 euros entrance fee, which is really worth it. Opening times: Only with a guided tour, approx. 45 minutes - at the following times: 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m https://www.escursionisadali.it/ There are 5 rooms to visit. In contrast to the well-known grottos, the lighting is more temporary and the paths are more adventurous. The following legend surrounds the grotto: The cave is called “Is Janas”, which is a Sardinian name for “fairies”. According to a legend, three fairies lived in this cave. The fairies loved food and enjoyed cooking. This is also how you cook during Lent. A priest surprised the fairies while they were eating and was hanged by them (broken stalagtite in the first room). As punishment, God turned the fairies into three stalgmites (room 2). In the fourth room the skeleton of a "Prolagus Sardus" was discovered as well as ceramic shards from the Neolithic period (3000 BC) which can be viewed in the Museum of Caglari. Geological and historical information: The cave dates back 5 million years and was discovered in the 19th century. The cave is approx. 240 meters long and has a constant temperature of 12° and a humidity of 99 - 100%. The colors of the cave are: red (iron oxide and clay), gray (manganese) and black (guano - bat excrement).

By the way, the waterfall is called "Piscina 'e Licona" - it is a very mystical, idyllic place. You can jump into the pool for a little refreshment ;-)

In autumn there is only a thin waterfall so that you can take a shower ;-) I wouldn't stand under the pictures in spring. Exciting to see the waterfall falling through a hole

It is the largest urban park in Sardinia, in which you can find countless exotic plants imported by Don Ignazio Aymerich Ripoll, curator of the nature reserve. There are waterfalls, lakes, natural paths and beautiful forests of holm oaks, downy oaks and many others. There are refreshment areas with benches and tables where you can eat. It cannot be visited by bike, but you can easily enter with it and leave it in the guardhouse area to visit the park on foot!

Very nicely landscaped park. Refreshing coolness when it's hot.

A bit difficult to get to, but very idyllic! Best from the northern side of the valley. Good shoes are strongly recommended!