Oristano - Region Attractions

Abbasanta (315m/1,040ft), the largest livestock market in Sardinia, on the southern edge of the Abbasanta plain, an area of black basaltic rock. 10km/6mi southeast is the Tirso Dam, which has impounded the water of the island's principal river to form Lago Omodeo, 22km/14mi long and up to 5km/3mi wide.

Bauladu (29m/96ft) is on the north edge of the Campidano plain. The road then continues up the Bobolica valley.

Oristano (9m/30ft; pop. 30,000) is noted for its pottery. It still preserves a number of towers belonging to its medieval defenses. Notable are the 18th century cathedral, on the site of an earlier building of the 13th-14th centuries and the Archeological Museum, with finds from the ancient city of Tharros, which lay to the northwest of the Gulf of Oristano. Beautiful traditional costumes can often be seen here on market days. A popular attraction is the Sariglia, an equestrian tournament dating back to the 16th century, which is held at Shrovetide every year (on the Sunday and the Tuesday).

Santa Giusta (10m/33ft) lies on the north side of a marshy lake. It features the Stagno di Santa Giusta, with a 12th century church in Pisan style.