Culture & traditions: Exhibition “Sea and Sardinia” at the former prison of Castiadas

Exhibitions, events, theatre, folk, gastronomic tastings and handicrafts all these are presented at the exhibition “Sea and Sardinia” , held from 17th of June until 16th of September at the former prison of Castiadas, at 70 km from Cagliari and about 20 km from Villasimius, in the South West of Sardinia. The exhibition’s title is named after the book of the famous English writer D.H.Lawrence, Sea and Sardinia.

Visit the former prison of Castiadas in the south-east of Sardinia

The exhibition is held at the former prison of Castiadas, nearly completely renovated and with a large courtyard, and presents Sardinia and the Sarrabus-Gerrei territory. You can visit the following exhibitions in the Prison’s buildings: “The Sardinian population” by Floris, “Casotti del Poetto” (beach houses at Poetto) by Bessaro, “Janas” of the Magic Flute and “the Sardinian mines”.

During the evenings, films are being projected in the illuminated courtyard about the Sardinian territory (Lakes of Sardinia, the old mines, Castiadas and the Sarrabus-Gerrei territory). Several folk groups will present their traditional dances, costumes and music. There will be an exhibition/market of crafts and farm produce were you can admire the local arts and crafts, such as the Sardinian knives and handmade baskets. At this event you can also taste the traditional products like goat cheese, prepared meat products, wine and Sardinian pasteries.

The prison of Castiadas was built in this charming setting in 1875 and closed down in 1952. The detainees had to reclaim the surrounding land and bring back life to an area abandoned and uninhabited for more than 350 years due to famine and epidemics. Today the prison is used as the regional cultural centre and organizes several exhibitions concerning handicraft, painting and the agroalimentary sector. Exhibitions with an emphasis on the history and environmental heritage of the region.

For more information (program, tickets, bus/shuttle and opening hours) visit www.seaandsardinia.com.

Texz and photo: SardiniaNatour 2006