Villagrande Strisaili, Santa Barbara Park

Santa Barbara Park. Photo by Irene Ollargiu, 2025, from Catalogo BBCC

The Santa Barbara Natural Park is located about three kilometers west of the town of Villagrande Strisaili, on the Gennargentu Ogliastrino slope, within a forest area of about 646 hectares. The park develops naturally, alternating flat areas with steeply sloping areas. Partly equipped, the park is crossed by pedestrian and driveways that branch off from the main entrance and go into the woods. The entire park is divided into two main green spaces. The forest: consisting of a large continuous wooded area characterized by the presence of centuries-old oak and oak trees, with undergrowth of Mediterranean scrub, including myrtle, strawberry tree, thyme and wild rosemary. The interior is crossed by shaded paths and houses areas equipped for games and fitness, as well as rest areas and meeting areas located near the country church of Santa Barbara. The clearing: consisting of openings in the heart of the forest, where large trees recede, creating brighter spaces, sometimes intended for parking and collective activities. The characteristic element of the whole is the presence of water, with numerous natural springs, streams that cross the forest and a series of fountains, which represent functional and perceptive references along the paths.

Interesting aspects
The park covers a mainly wooded area. It preserves the natural aspect of the landscape in which it is inserted and typical of the Gennargentu mountainous area of the Ogliastra area. The structure is given by the alternation between full vegetation (the mature forest of oaks and oaks) and empty spaces (the clearings and equipped open spaces) that are arranged without a pre-established order. The area is strongly characterized by water thanks to the presence of natural springs and streams, contributing decisively to the environmental and perceptive character of the place.