The scenic spot was built after the renovation and conversion of the former Carabinieri barracks into an exhibition hall. Inaugurated in 2016 and designed to host an array of different themes, this venue has already displayed several photographic and art exhibitions.

The original three-storey building had a stable on the lower level that was home to the military horses used by the Carabinieri.

The wide terrace by the building door enjoys a panoramic view of the mountains – covered with oak, cork oak and chestnut woods – and of the Badu Lodine valley. Rivu ‘e Bidda (namely, the village river) runs at the foot of the valley and flows into Lake Gusana in Pont’Arvu. The belfry of the Church of San Gavino, which towers over the buildings around it, can be seen on the left from the belvedere, while the square and the shape of the Church of Sant’Antioco are visible on the right. In the background, on the opposite side of the valley, is Mount Puddis, covered with holm oaks and cork trees. In the distance, the mountain landscape offers a glimpse of the Gennargentu massif, while on a clear day Mount Spada can also be seen.

At the far end of these scenic tree-covered mountains, on the right, is Mountain Muggianeddu in Tonara, while in the middle of a wide amphitheatre created by the mountains, is Lake Gusana. Its shores have been moulded overtime by several tributaries and by the steep mountain walls around it.

Text by Laura Melis