Abbasanta

Infobox CityIT
img_coa =
official_name = Abbasanta
name = Abbasanta
region = Sardinia
province = Province of Oristano (OR)
elevation_m = 313
area_total_km2 = 39.85
population_as_of = 2006
population_total = 2888
population_density_km2 = 71
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|40|7|N|8|49|E|type:city(1,037)_region:IT
frazioni =
telephone = 0785
postalcode = 09071
gentilic = abbasantesi
saint = Saint Catherine of Siena
day = November 25
mayor =
website = [http://www.comunefordongianus.it/ www.comunefordongianus.it/]
mapy = 8.8167
mapx = 40.1167

Abbasanta (Latin: Ad Medias) is a town and commune in the province of Oristano, Sardinia (Italy), and is located on the main road between Macomer and Oristano. [citebook|title=Coping with Tourists: European Reactions to Mass Tourism|author=Jeremy Boissevain|year=1996|publisher=Berghahn Books|id=ISBN 1571818782] It is 313 metres above sea level, has an area of 39.85 km², and as of 2006, a population of 2,888.All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.]

Description

Abbasanta sits on a lava plateau rich in cork oaks, olive trees and "lentischi". The plateau arose from the lava flow of the Montiferru volcano.The landscape of the lava plateau is characterised by pastures that are enclosed by dry-stone walls which surround the "tancas" built in the 18th century. In the surrounding countryside, there are still some typical shelters ("pinnete") made of stones and boughs by the shepherds.

In the village the stone houses are characteristic. They are low and with few floors, without sheds, but usually with a back courtyard where some space is reserved for the domestic animals. This is a quite common architectural dwelling in an area traditionally involved sheep farming rather than agriculture.

The front room of the house is often a courtyard for chickens, in the centre of which there is the hearth (in Sardinian language "su foghile"), used for hanging and drying cured pork meat. Later, fireplaces replaced the hearths.

History

In Roman times, the town, called "Ad Medias", was in the territory of the Æchilenenses or Cornenses.

In the past, the village was built all around the two churches of Santa Amada and Santa Caterina (dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria) There was a clear separation between social classes. The families arranged the marriages.

The women had to work at home and be sequestered so as not to be blamed for dishonoring themselves. To have a baby without being married was a terrible sin that caused the woman to become an outcast. Staying in the house so much meant that women traditionally were responsible for all the household chores, and it was also their job to cultivate the flax, from the sowing to the spinning. It was men's jobbing to grow vegetables and be responsible for alimony.

Until the 1950s the use of Italian and Sardinian language had distinct and complementary functions. Italian was the official language, used by the public administration, while Sardinian was the language spoken home and among friends. The characteristic expressions of the dialect are usually inspired by the peasant and pastoral world. Many proverbs refer to the values of honesty, friendship, fidelity (of the woman), loyalty, parsimony and obedience to the divine will.

Abbasanta's plateau

The whole Abbasanta's plateau is rich in archaeological monuments. Very close to the village is the nuraghe of Losa.The most important country church is set on the site of Sant'Agostino (dedicated to Augustine of Hippo). Around the rural church, there are some characteristic small houses (in Sardinian language "muristenes" or "cumbessias") that host the pilgrims during the religious feasts.

References

*"Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World", Map 48.