16 November 2010
Events in Sardinia
A long time ago, between the IX and XV century, Sardinia was divided into four distinct reigns called Giudicati, these were: Arborea, Cagliari, Torres/Logudoro and Gallura.
The four States were Sovereign states, therefore totally autonomous, and were governed by, “Giudici” (judikes in Sardinian) , their laws and structure were based on the Roman and Bizantine system, yet they were also characterized by peculiar local touches probably dating back to the Nuragic civilization.
The States were in many ways quite modern with respect to their European contemporaries of Feudal origin, as they were non patrimonial states (they didn’t belong to the sovereign)but super-individual, in other words, they
belonged to the people.In fact, one of the most modern features of the Giudicati was the “Corona de Logu”, a council representing the citizens’ approval. The Judikes’ were also submitted to the local aristocracy’s consent.
The statue of the female Giudice Eleonora dArborea and the Mariano Tower located in the main squares of
Oristano are evidence of this happy period, like the extraordinary Church of Saccargia in the
Sassari province and the Church of San Simplicio in
Olbia. To keep this memory alive, the 4th and 5th of December the association Memoriae Milites is organising in the park of Monte Claro in Cagliari, the “V Torneo del Liofante" ( Elephant tournament).
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12 November 2010
Culture in Sardinia
Pottery has an age old tradition in Sardinia, the most important archeological museums of the island treasure remains that date back over 5,000 years. The production of everyday objects has passed from the expert Nuragic hands to those of the Punic, Roman, Medieval civilisations, but only became significant in 1900.
To this day, this ancient craft is a fundamental element of Sardinian heritage, one has to thank local artisans; their passion and enthusiasm have kept it alive and it’s a joy to see the infinite assortment of beautifully hand-made plates, jugs, lamps, ashtrays, coffee cups, saucers in the shop windows. The decorations are mainly based on the local fauna often depicting a lapwing, I find the patterns very delicate and usually in "mild" colours, giving an overall effect of quiet elegance.
The cities and villages that boast a long tradition in the world of pottery and ceramics include Oristano, Pabillonis,
Dorgali, Sassari and Siniscola, though the greatest production is concentrated in
Cagliari, in particular in Assemini, where skilled pottery masters which have received endless lists of awards at national and international competitions, still display their magical ability at the potter’s wheel.
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11 November 2010
Food in Sardinia
Panadas are a typical dish from a very small town called Assemini, only 15 km from
Cagliari. They are very delicious meat and vegetable pies, the traditional and truly Sardinian version has eel as a filling and is very, very good.
Meat Panada
Serves 4
For the pastry: 300 gr / 10 ½ oz plain flour
20 gr/ ¾ oz lard at room temperature
Salty warm water
Meat filling: 300 gr/ 101/2 oz beef, pork or lamb chopped;
300 gr/ 10 ½ oz potatoes, artichokes or peas;
Salt, pepper, sundried tomatoes, parsley, garlic;
2 tablespoons of olive oil
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