Villamar
Villamar is an ancient farmers’ village set amidst the rolling hills of the Marmilla region, its origin dating back to the 13th century. In the Middle Ages, it was an important trading centre, taken over by merchants from the Balearic Islands in the 16th century, their influences still visible. This village is famous for its traditional stone, mud and straw houses, known as "làdiri", and is livened up by a vibrant art scene with modern murals.
A village steeped in mystery and shrouded in the mists of time
Villamar boasts a rich archaeological heritage, including a Punic necropolis and twelve nuraghes, proving that there must have been a human settlement in the place since the 3rd millennium BC.
The churches, including the Church of St Peter and the parish church of St John the Baptist, jealously guard some valuable gems of Christian art. The Church of St Peter is laid out in two naves dating from the 13th century, while the parish church, with its 18th-century altar, is home to a grand reredos of a Nursing Madonna by Pietro Cavaro.
Other remarkable churches include the Church of St Antiochus, with Spanish-style statues, and the Church of Our Lady of Itria, framed by a charming rural setting.
The village celebrates some large-scale religious festivals, such as one in honour of St Mary in early September, with a poem contest and a horse-riding competition.
