Las Plassas, part of the province of Medio Campidano, is a small town in the Marmilla region famous for its medieval castle and various prehistoric remains. Built in the Middle Ages at the foot of a fortress, Las Plassas showcases the Campidanese architecture that originated in the fertile Flumini Mannu valley, with low houses and large courtyards clustered around the parish church of San Sebastiano, whose patron saint is celebrated in January with a large bonfire. The main place of worship, however, is the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, a former Renaissance-style parish church built at the foot of the castle between the 17th and 18th centuries on top of a pre-existing Byzantine building. On the outskirts of the town is Santa Maria di Monserrato (14th century), which houses a sacred Nuragic well. Nearby there is also a Punic-Roman kiln. Only ruins remain of the aforementioned castle known as Marmilla (or Las Plassas), scenically isolated on top of a perfectly conical hill overlooking the surrounding plain. Built in the 12th century, it played an important strategic and military role in the historical events of the area. Currently, it is possible to admire the main tower, the perimeter and internal walls, and a large cistern carved into the rock, all of which are almost intact. Parts of the furnishings, ceramics (13th-16th century), and various artifacts were found during the excavations and are now preserved in the castle museum (MudA), which also offers a multimedia experience that immerses visitors in the Sardinian Middle Ages. The visit concludes with the Nuragic monuments: the most important are the single-tower nuraghi of Perdedu, Bruncu, and Forru, the five-lobed nuraghe of s'Uraxi, and the Giants' Tomb of Mesedas (19th century BC). Finally, the site of Pranu Sonàllas bears witness to Neolithic settlements. Las Plassas is also a place where you can explore Sardinian cultural roots, ideal for curious visitors and returning emigrants interested in learning more about the island's past. On September 8, the most heartfelt festival dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary takes place, while at the end of September there is the legume festival. Another event worth mentioning is the feast of the patron saint, Saint Mary Magdalene, on July 22. Among the flavors to be discovered, which reflect the culinary tradition of Marmilla, are dishes prepared with genuine ingredients such as cereals, legumes, meats (especially lamb and pork), and cheeses. Sardinia is ready to welcome visitors with unique landscapes, historical sites, and traditions of the past.
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