Municipality in the province of Nuoro, located at the foot of Mount Corrasi, the highest peak of Supramonte, the territory of Oliena is crossed the Rio Golathi, and is part of Badde Pentumas and Su Gologone, respectively a canyon and a water source. Highly suggestive in the old town are the cobblestone streets, on to which face medieval houses, that preserve intact their original structures with internal courtyards and wells. The town is famous for its beautiful traditional costume, for its "tenor singing" festival and for its World-wide appreciated fine wine Nepente, produced from the vines on the slopes of Supramonte.
The area was inhabited since the Neolithic Ages and several testimonials of the Nuragic era are still visible. The first settlement was built by the Romans, and during the Middle Ages the lands were incorporated into the Giudicato (County) of Gallura. In the Middle Ages, the town experienced a particularly prosperous period of demographic growth. In the XII century, part of the territories were granted to the Abbey of Girifai. This assignment was not appreciated by the Pisani, of Guelph faith, who decided to occupy the area with their military forces. Later, the town was conquered by Aragonesi and in the XVII centuries, it was possible to distinguish two separate urban centers, divided by the river. Of great importance was the influence exercised by the Jesuits in the second half of the XVII century, with the increase and development of animal farming and the production of agricultural crops.
Attractions:
- the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, built between the late XIII and early XIV centuries, it has recently undergone major renovations. The structure is flanked by a Bell Tower of recent construction, embellished with Romanesque-Gothic style features;
- the Church of St. Ignatius, which is preceded by a double staircase. Inside it features a single nave plan with three chapels on each side;
- the Church of Santa Croce, which dates back to the early XVII century. It features a simple façade and is flanked by a Bell Tower;
- the Church of Our Lady of Mercy;
- the Church of San Francesco di Paola;
- the Church of Our Lady of Itria;
- the Church of San Giovanni;
- the Church of San Giuseppe;
- the Church of San Lussorio;
- the Church of Sant' Anna;
- Su Gologone, a karst source, whose waters pour into the river Cedrino;
- the Valley of Lanaitho with its caves;
- the Nuragic village of Carros.