The prologue through the Aritzo Oasis with 'Su Texile' in the spotlights

The countdown towards the international Rally di Sardegna MTB has begun, waiting for the champions to explore the authentic and wonderful Barbagia area in depth.

Aritzo will host the prologue on August 28th, with the start set in the heart of the “capital of chestnuts”.  

The prologue route passes through an iconic area for the Aritzo community, dominated by the majestic Texile limestone heel, a stone giant shaped by millions of years of erosion: this monolith is a relic of the Mesozoic era and an unmistakable symbol of the area. For the Aritzo people this naturalistic oasis is like a home garden, a place where they walk and immerse themselves in the wonderful surrounding nature. 

After the start in the town center and the transfer section, the bikers will "dive" downhill towards the Riu Su Arase valley. The route is initially paved, becoming then a dirt track and finally a single track on the challenging climb that leads from the river bed towards the Texile. Once the bikers get to the limestone heel, the route becomes smoother, alternating open sections with views of the surrounding mountains with more sheltered sections in the woods. A further technical downhill section leads to the Riu Su Alase river, before a dirt track that leads back towards the pavement, driving the participants to the finish line.

ARITZO'S NATURAL JEWELS

The naturalistic treasure that Aritzo jealously preserves is one of the reasons that attracts lovers of uncontaminated nature. The town is surrounded by a wide network of paths and the village offers interesting opportunities for cycle tourists and trekking lovers. Centuries-old woods of chestnut, holm oak and ancient oak trees welcome hikers and families looking for tranquility offering all of them breath-taking views. 

WHAT TO SEE IN ARITZO 
Walking through the streets of the historic center, among shale and mud houses adorned with carved wooden balconies, you can feel an atmosphere of times gone by. The old Spanish prisons, with their evocative "Bovida", guard the mysteries of magic and witchcraft. The Casa Devilla and the Arangino Castle tell stories of wealthy families in medieval times. The parish church of San Michele Arcangelo, with its Gothic-Aragonese bell tower, and the EcoMuseum of the Sardinian Mountains, also deserve a visit.