Sardinia

Sardinia is synonymous with sun, sea and vacation for most visitors. Italy's rich and famous frequent the luxe resorts on the Costa Smeralda, or Emerald Coast, on the northeast edge of the island. The crystal-clear water and pearly white beaches that ring the region are said to be the best in Italy. But the true Sardinian way of life is in the island's craggy, windswept interior, not along the pristine coast. Often called l'isola del silenzio-the island of silence-Sardinia is sparsely inhabited by a population that holds fast to its traditions. The ancient inhabitants of Sardinia are somewhat of a mystery. Skilled in metalworking, they were active on the Mediterranean trade circuit in the times of the ancient Egyptians, Etruscans and Phoenicians. Not much is known about their language or culture. The most important marks left by the ancient Sardinians are the circular stone structures called nuraghi, built about 1200 B.C.. Approximately 8,000 nuraghi remain, scattered all over the island. Most were used as lookout points for strategic purposes, while the larger ones were used as true fortresses. Even in their crumbling, abandoned state, the nuraghi are reminders of the island's rich but mysterious prehistory. With the exception of traders and fishermen, Sardinians have long shied away from their coasts. Repeated invasions by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and others forced the indigenous peoples up into the rugged interior and towards a subsistence lifestyle based on farming and shepherding. The people of Sardinia's coast have a vastly mixed ancestry, with cultural influences from Genoa, Naples, Piedmont, Sicily and Spain. The local dialect in Alghero is practically the same language spoken in northeastern Spain from the 14th to the 17th century, a result of long Spanish rule. Despite these heavy outside influences, Sardinia has built a culture all its own. The Sardinian dialect incorporates many words from the ancient indigenous language, and many people have last names unique to the island. Hand-woven textiles featuring bold, colorful designs are the raw materials for traditional Sardinian clothing, which men and women wear during the region's numerous religious and agricultural festivals. Handmade carpets, pottery, iron and woodwork, baskets and ceramics also have a uniquely Sardinian style.