OssiOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Neolithic Tombs to Medieval Villages

Ossi, in the historical region of Coros within the province of Sassari, has a history extending to the late Neolithic age. The area contains domus de janas, or 'houses of the fairies,' which are rock-cut chamber tombs from around 3400-2700 BC. These hypogean tombs are carved to resemble homes, often with architectural details like beams, wainscoting, and false doors, symbolizing the passage to the afterlife. The Necropolis of Sant'Andrea Priu, a significant grouping of domus de janas on the island, features tombs with internal structures and traces of red paint. This funerary tradition shows the spiritual and social organization of Sardinia's earliest inhabitants.

Feudal Lords and Local Resistance

Ossi appeared in historical records as 'Ogothi' in the Condaghe di San Pietro di Silki, a medieval administrative document. During the medieval period, it was part of the curatoria of Coros, belonging to the Giudicato di Torres. After the fall of the Giudicato, Ossi passed through various feudal hands, including the Malaspina family until the mid-14th century. It later became a hamlet under the Arborean Jurisprudence until 1409. By 1550, the Guj family established the 'barony of Ossi,' which they held until 1732. The town experienced discontent under baronial rule in the 16th and 18th centuries due to taxes. One tax, the 'umpeddu de sos sorighes,' involved measuring grain haphazardly to account for amounts supposedly eaten by rats in the baronial granaries. This history of resistance led to involvement in the anti-feudal movement of the late 18th century, with some Ossi residents arrested and executed for supporting Angioy's cause.

• —Necropolis of Sant'Andrea Priu — Near Bonorva, this archaeological site has about 20 domus de janas carved into rock. The 'Tomb of the Chief' has 18 rooms and sculpted details. The 'Circular Hut Tomb' replicates a conical roof. The site also has early Christian frescoes from the 4th-5th century AD, as one tomb was repurposed as a church.
• —Mesu 'e Montes Archaeological Park — This park contains several prehistoric necropolises, including Mesu 'e Montes, with numerous domus de janas. It shows ancient funerary practices of the region.
• —Domus de Janas di Correddu — An individual domus de janas that is part of the network of these prehistoric tombs around Ossi. It provides a view of these rock-cut structures.
• —Sa Mandra Manna Necropolis — Another necropolis in the area, showing the presence of domus de janas and providing insight into Sardinia's pre-Nuragic civilization.
• —Parish Church of San Bartolomeo — In the center of Ossi, this 17th-century church is an example of the town's later historical architecture.
• —Baronial Palace — From the 1600s, this building in Ossi now houses an ethnographic museum, showing local traditions and history.

The best time to visit Ossi and the surrounding Sassari region is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). Temperatures are pleasant for exploring archaeological sites and walking. The light is suitable for photography. Summers (July and August) can be hot, with daytime temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F), making outdoor activities uncomfortable. This is also peak tourist season, with more crowds and potentially higher prices. Winters are mild but can bring rain. Many local festivals occur throughout the year, especially from spring to autumn. Avoid summer if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer people.

Ossi is 6 kilometers (4 miles) southeast of Sassari. The most direct way to reach Ossi is by bus from Sassari. ARST Spa - Trasporti Regionali Della Sardegna operates hourly bus services from Sassari Via Padre Zirano to Ossi Piazza Del Popolo. The journey takes about 23 minutes and costs €1-€3. From Alghero, take a bus to Sassari and then transfer. The total journey by bus from Alghero takes about 1 hour and 21 minutes.

While public transport connects Ossi to major towns, a car is useful for exploring the surrounding archaeological sites. Parking in Ossi is generally available; look for white lines for free parking, though some areas may have time limits. Blue lines indicate paid parking. Within the village, walking is the way to experience its streets. There are no specific market days widely advertised for Ossi, but local shops offer regional products. Some smaller businesses may observe a siesta in the early afternoon, especially during warmer months.