Chiaramonti, in Sardinian Tzaramonte, is a village of medieval origin, located in the heart of the ancient curatorìa d’Anglona, in the Province of Sassari, in Northwest Sardinia. The place name Tzaramonte probably derives its origin from the ancient Sardinian language and is composed of the terms: ‘tzara’ meaning clematis or vitalba, a herb widespread in different areas of the island; while ‘mountain’ stands for high ground. Literally translated, “clematis elevation.”
Chiaramonti climbs a hill between the valleys of two streams. The present urban center, populated by a little more than 1,500 residents, spreads out in a sort of natural amphitheater at 430 meters above sea level, presents a layout typical of Sardinian medieval villages, characterized by a tower or castle positioned in the highest part of the built-up area, from which departs a dense road network consisting of long and narrow ‘carrùzzos/carrùgi‘, connected to each other through ‘terighinos’ and ‘istrintolzos’ lanes. The main street that runs through the entire historic village is called ‘carruzu longu’. In the upper part of the village are the remains of the Doria castle, a medieval fortress defending Ligurian possessions in Anglona. It dominates the entire valley and controls the neighboring centers of a territory inhabited since prehistoric times. Chiaramonti’s predominant location affords panoramic views of important sites of high naturalistic value: the su Sassu plateau, the rolling hills of Anglona, the granite mountains of Gallura, the village of Osilo, and the Coros hills. On particularly clear days it is possible to see the white cliffs of Corsica in the distance.
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