Giara di Gesturi, Natural plateau in central Sardinia, Italy.
The Giara di Gesturi is a flat basalt plateau in central Sardinia, sitting high above the surrounding countryside and shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Its surface alternates between patches of Mediterranean scrub, rocky outcrops, and shallow natural pools known as paulis that collect rainwater in hollows across the rock.
The plateau has been occupied since the Bronze Age, as shown by the remains of nuraghe towers scattered across its surface. These stone structures were built by the Nuragic people, one of the oldest settled cultures on the island, and several still stand in partial form today.
The plateau is dotted with small stone shelters called pinnettas, once used by herding families during the grazing season. Walking across the open land, visitors still come across these low, round structures that speak to a way of life tied closely to the land.
Several paths cross the plateau at different levels of difficulty, and sturdy footwear is a good idea on the rocky sections. Spring is the most rewarding time to visit, as the paulis hold water and the vegetation is at its fullest.
The Giara di Gesturi is home to one of the last free-roaming populations of the Sardinian wild horse, locally called the cavallino della Giara. These small, dark-coated horses are noticeably shorter than common horses and are now considered a rare breed.
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