Normann trail network
Entirely created by volunteers, supported by the Forestas Agency and the Cagliari branch of CAI, this small network connects several miners’ villages: Monteponi, Monte Agruxiau and Monte Scorra, as well as Nebida, Bindua, San Giovanni Miniera and the beautiful Asproni Miners’ Village as well as Monte Onixeddu and the Normann Village itself. The network also connects a series of mining structures rich in history: Laveria Galletti, forno Sabatini, Pozzo Baccarini, Laveria vecchia, the extraordinary Santa Barbara shaft (also known as ‘Sa macchina beccia’) along a route disseminated with evidence of the area’s mining history (wells, tunnels, ropeway conveyors, decauville (animal-towed mining railway), tracks, chimneys, drinking troughs and stables for mine animals).
More than 40 km of cycling and hiking routes, ranging in difficulty from ‘tourist’ to ‘experienced hiker’, extending to the borders and mining remains of the territories of Gonnesa and Iglesias - extraordinary places with a wealth of geological, speleological, naturalistic but also archaeological (e.g. medieval mines) and anthropological heritage. A true ‘summary’ of the attractions offered by the Geo-mining, Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia.
These routes will allow you to explore the places where thousands of workers lived in the 3 well-known villages: Normann was inhabited by managers and clerks (built in the early 1900s and already equipped with plumbing systems for water supply and waste water) - S.Giovanni miniera, the miners’ village, built by Gonnesa Mining Company Limited, Pertusola Limited (later taken over by Piombo Zincifera Sarda) and finally Bindua Ceramica, where other miners independently built very humble huts.
In the 1930s this whole landscape was completely barren, due to intensive mining exploitation that involved tree felling: today the holm oak wood has regained ground, strengthening the unstable slope, together with sparse Aleppo pine stands (from reforestation projects).
The territory
The territory of Normann lies on the slopes of Monte San Giovanni (formerly known as Monte Barlao). If offers a splendid diverse landscape, a gem brimming with old stories, which have reemerged thanks to the passion of the inhabitants of this small hamlet, with the logistical and financial support of the municipalities of Iglesias and Gonnesa. The Sardinia Trail Network (RES) is the thread that links together ancient routes, on which the miners used to walk to go to church, take the train, or go to town on their few free days. Some of the tails follow the old narrow-gauge FMS railway line that connected Calasetta to Gonnesa and Iglesias (Monteponi scalo). Part of this route is also shared with that created by the Santa Barbara Mining Trail Foundation, which forms part of the larger Sardinia Trail Network.
Special features
This hiking area is characterised by limestone formations, including limestone pavements (recalling on a smaller scale the formations in Supramonte). It offers expansive views ranging from Carloforte to the peaks of Gutturu Mannu, from the Linas-Marganai massif, to the plain of Cagliari... wonderful sights, which can only be fully appreciated in person.
