The Acquafredda Castle is an important example of a fortified structure from Medieval times. It stands on a hill of volcanic origin extending to a height of 256 metres above sea level. The site, known as “Domo Andesitico di Acquafredda”, was given Natural Monument status by the Sardinian Regional Council.
From a geological point of view, the mountain consists of andesites, rocks of an extrusive nature that originate from tertiary volcanic activity. The flora at the top features the presence of shrub. The most commonly found species of tree are Mastic trees, wild olive, spurge and smilax. There is an artificial forest of eucalyptus and conifers lower down. The mountain also has an irreplaceable ecological alcove for bats, rock pigeons, nocturnal birds of prey and the Lesser Kestrel, species on the verge of extinction.
A Papal seal from 1238 is proof that the castle already existed at that time. That said, popular opinion widely attributes its construction to the famous Pisan aristocrat Ugolino Della Gherardesca, Count of Donoratico. Ugolino became Lord of the south-western part of Sardinia after the fall of the Giudicato di Cagliari, in 1258. His affairs became well-known thanks to the insightful verses by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy.
Structurally, the castle consists of several articulated constructions on three levels, in harmony with the flow of the hillside. The aim was to create several defence lines in order to make an enemy attack more difficult.
The historical aspects, landscape, geology, fauna and flora make this place a natural site of huge aesthetic and scientific importance. The hill and lasting constructions on top have taken on the image of a natural unicum which can be observed from the surrounding plane at 360 degrees. One can enjoy a magnificent view of the Cixerri Valley the Stagno di Cagliari and the sea, the Marmilla and the Iglesiente from the top of the Domo, as well as the distant Gennargentu on clear days.
