Monastir is located in the Middle Campidano plain about 20 km from Cagliari and is easily accessible because it is close to SS 131.
The origin of the name follows several theories. One would trace it back to a medieval monastery of Camaldolese, while another would suggest that the word Monastir derives from “muristèni,” or places dedicated to stopping and refueling travelers.
The roots of the urban center date back to the Recent Neolithic, when an early human community settled on the slopes of Mount Zara, building its village and necropolis characterized by artificial cave tombs or domus de janas.
The eastern side is traversed by a series of trachiandesitic volcanic hills, while the remaining part of the territory is flat. Of relevant naturalistic and environmental interest are the oak (Quercus pubescens) wooded areas on the northern side of Mount Zara and the large wooded area of conifers and eucalyptus at Is Serras.