Lollove, an abandoned village wrapped in legend

Lollove, a small medieval village about fifteen kilometers from Nuoro, owes its name to the archaic Sardinian terms lo’ ò, “stream,” and lòbe, “acorn,” referring to the local watercourse and oak forests.

The history of the village is shrouded in legend: a group of nuns expelled from the settlement is said to have cast a curse, declaring that “Lollove will never grow and will never die,” describing its slow decline. Low stone houses, cobbled alleys, and tiled roofs still tell of a medieval past.

In the 19th century, the economy was based on livestock farming, with cows, sheep, and goats divided between farmers and shepherds. The village is also mentioned by Sebastiano Satta and by Grazia Deledda in her novel La madre.

Today, Lollove, though almost uninhabited (between 12 and 15 residents remain!), retains a melancholic charm: collapsed roofs, climbing plants, and a few inhabited houses mingle with signs of rebirth. Since 2008, an inn has welcomed visitors, daily connections with Nuoro make access easier, and thanks to regional and EU funds, the Municipality and the Region are working on the recovery and enhancement of this small rural village.

What to see in Lollove

Lollove preserves its medieval structure and Sardinian rural architecture. Worth visiting is the 17th-century Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, in late Gothic style with pointed arches in red trachyte, and the ancient monastery on Via Bixio, now a private residence. The street, once a stream that divided the village into Custa Banna and Cudda Banna, reflects the historic organization of the settlement.

Also interesting is the house museum, which retraces traditions and daily life from a hundred years ago. Finally, the Pupurughine waterfalls can be reached with an easy trek from the center, offering a breathtaking panorama that stretches all the way to the sea, making Lollove a small treasure chest of history, nature, and authentic rural charm.

Entertainment and events in the village

The Locanda Lollovers, mentioned above, organizes personalized packages for all visitors. This restaurant offers zero-kilometer products, with a menu that changes according to the season and the farm’s produce.

Events are not lacking in Lollove, which comes alive especially during religious festivals. Notable are the feast of the current patron saint, San Biagio, in early February, and the celebration of the ancient patron saint, Santa Maria Maddalena, held on July 22. On August 25, the feast of Saint Louis of France is celebrated, and finally, on September 16, the feast of Saint Euphemia, venerated by shepherds.

Places of interest nearby

Near Lollove, Monte Ortobene is of great interest: at its summit stands the statue of the Redeemer, an imposing bronze work placed at 925 meters above sea level, 4 meters high. The view from the balcony beneath the statue is breathtaking.

Do not miss the Museo Deleddiano, the birthplace of Grazia Deledda, which contains furniture and memorabilia belonging to the only Italian woman to have won the Nobel Prize for Literature, in 1926.

The nearby Church of Solitude houses, on its right wall, the polished black granite sarcophagus containing the remains of Grazia Deledda.

Have you ever wondered what an abandoned village might be like? To answer that question, come and visit Lollove!

Cover photo credits: Salvo La Fata