Mountain Ortobene, Nuoro
Monte Ortobene is a mountain in the Eastern part of Nuoro. The height of the mountain is 955 meters. At the top, there is a statue of Christ the Redeemer, established in the early 20th century, as well as the Church of Solitude. The relief of Mountain Ortobene consists of ridges and towers, in shape they resemble the outlines of people and animals. In the south the mountain is surrounded by the river Cedrino. The flora world is represented by coniferous trees and evergreen shrubs, also here you can find maquis, holly oaks and pine trees.
Sights of Monte Ortobene
The first temple on the mountain was built in the 17th century. In 1950, the Church of Solitude was erected here. The temple was a favourite place of the famous Italian writer, Nobel laureate Grazia Deledda.
In the early 20th century, it was Grazia who was actively working on building of the statue of Christ the Redeemer on the mountain. In 1901, Pope Leo XIII decided to establish 19 statues of Christ in Italy. Each monument symbolized the centenary of the Nativity of Christ. On the donations of Grazia Deledda and the townspeople in Naples, according to a special order, the sculptor Vincenzo Jerace cast a bronze statue that weighs 18 tons and is 7 meters high.
The grand opening of the statue on the mountain took place on August 29. Since then, on the nearest Sunday to this date, the Feast of the Holy Redeemer is celebrated in Nuoro. The inhabitants of Sardinia believe that the statue is able to give healing.
Climbing and vacation on the mountain
Ortobene is considered quite easy to climb. The panoramic route is laid across the mountain, also the slopes are equipped with bicycle paths and platforms for roller skating.
On Ortobene, the people of Sardinia love to spend their weekends, organize picnics. This is facilitated by the infrastructure on the mountain – places for recreation, benches, tables. For example, in Parco di Sedda Ortai, at the foot of the mountain, as well as Parco del Redentore.
How to get there
Monte Ortobene in Sardinia is located on the outskirts of Nuoro. To get to the mountain, follow the road SP42. The mountain is close to the public transport stops: Via Parco, to which you can get on the bus № 8.
