As of this first stage, we are walking on the most ancient limestone-dolomite rocks in Italy, on big deposits of lead, zinc and silver that have been the subject of intense mining activity for centuries. Straight away we are immersed in the great cultural, environmental and religious heritage of Sardinia.
From the medieval city of Iglesias to the town of Nebida, we encounter chapels, churches and places of worship dedicated to the patron saint of miners.
The passage in the sanctuary of the Madonna del Buon Cammino gives this first day a particular spiritual meaning.
On the average this stage is demanding, not so much for the length, as for the two uphill stretches that must be climbed in the first part of the walk in order to reach the Buon Cammino hilltop (341 masl) and the excavations of Cungiaus (323 masl).
Safety and useful tips
To get to the Buon Cammino, you need to walk along urban streets in the historic centre of Iglesias, so pay attention to crossings.
After leaving the Monastero del Buon Cammino, you will follow a dirt road that heads north. This stretch of the route runs alongside fences that delimit and prevent the passage to certain caves/excavations - do not cross the fences and follow the route.
To get to Monte Agruxiau you have to cross the SP84 road as it bypasses Iglesias and then take the asphalted road to cross Monte Agruxiau - watch out for vehicular traffic. The same attention must be paid when arriving in Nebida, where you will cross the hamlet through an asphalted road.
Some passages, despite being on a wide and comfortable roadway, may be exposed to falling from above - do not lean towards the exposed part and, if necessary, keep to the centre or to the upstream side of the roadway.
There are various old structures along the route; in most cases, they are fenced off, but in some cases, they may be open - do not venture inside them and always admire them from a distance.
A variant of the route allows you to reach the center of Monteponi using the city road network (Via Cattaneo/Vivaldi/Sassu).
ATTENTION
There is a detour due to work in progress on the path after the Monastero del Buon Cammino, temporary signs are already present on site.
