Mining mine and Città di roccia

It is a rock formation that looks like a city made of stones, and is therefore also called Città di Rocchia or Città die Pietra by the Italians. It is located not far from the municipality of Villaputzu in the area of the Baccu Locci district. Over the course of millions of years, wind and rain have hollowed out and smoothed the steep wall so that from a distance its caves, arches and galleries actually look like the outlines of a city. It is as if man and not nature had created this limestone monument. Until a few centuries ago, shepherds used the Città di Rocchia as shelters for their flocks.

The off-road track that leads up to the city in the rock is no joke. In other words, it requires some off-road experience and a four-wheel drive vehicle or an enduro. Whether it is difficult or easy depends on the driver's skills. Steep ascents and descents, fords and different road surfaces await us on the way, ranging from fine gravel to thick stones and coarse scree.

Start on the SS 125, exit Quirra. The first few kilometers are on asphalt, then gravel crunches under the wheels. The route harmlessly follows the course of the Riu Corr’e Cerbo and offers one or two bathing spots. After that, the terrain becomes exciting: in curves and bends, the gravel track climbs up the slope to the former mining mine of Baccu Locci. Past the old tunnels, it reaches the abandoned mining village of the same name, before heading for the slightly higher city of rocks.

The rest of the route is basically easy to manage. The trail now heads steadily towards the valley. A depression followed by a steep ascent and repeated serpentines require attention, but guarantee pure driving fun and adrenaline rush. At the river Flumendosa the route meets the SS 387. Turn left and four kilometers later you reach San Vito.