piazza davanti alla chiesa-  villaggio di san Salvatore
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San Salvatore di Sinis

4.6
·491k reviews·San Salvatore, Italy

A Sardinian 'ghost town' famous as a spaghetti western film set, with ancient roots and a unique, timeless atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

September (during Corsa degli Scalzi)

Experience a unique Sardinian tradition

CrowdHigh
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piazza davanti alla chiesa-  villaggio di san Salvatore

San Salvatore di Sinis

Best Time

September (during Corsa degli Scalzi)

Experience a unique Sardinian tradition

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Sardinian 'ghost town' famous as a spaghetti western film set, with ancient roots and a unique, timeless atmosphere.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"It feels like stepping onto a movie set, a true ghost town with a cinematic soul."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Hypogeum Tours

Visit the hypogeum by reservation only. Contact @fondazione.monteprama for details. :ticket:

Western Film Vibes

Wander the streets and feel like you're in a classic spaghetti western movie. :movie_camera:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spaghetti Western Set

Spaghetti Western Set

The village streets

Walk through dusty lanes and stone houses that once hosted iconic spaghetti western film sets.

Hypogeum of San Salvatore

Hypogeum of San Salvatore

Village center

Discover an incredible underground structure, a testament to ancient rituals and history. Book in advance!

Corsa degli Scalzi

Corsa degli Scalzi

Village and surrounding area

Witness this intense, deeply traditional Sardinian rite in September, where hundreds run barefoot.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Ghost Town Vibe

San Salvatore di Sinis is largely uninhabited most of the year, giving it a unique 'ghost town' atmosphere. Plan your visit outside of the Corsa degli Scalzi event for a quieter experience, unless you're specifically there for the tradition.

Film Buffs & History Enthusiasts

This village was a popular filming location for spaghetti westerns. Explore its dusty streets and imagine the movie scenes. Don't miss the chance to visit the hypogeum, a fascinating underground structure with ancient origins.

Best Times

When
September (during Corsa degli Scalzi)
Why
Experience a unique Sardinian tradition
Crowd
High
When
Spring/Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

salvatore | #lanadelrey #lanadelreyedit #fyp #viral #edit #trending #aestheticedits lana del rey edits
@bornwithsynth
4.1M likes • 27.8M views

Book Hypogeum Tours

Visit the hypogeum by reservation only. Contact @fondazione.monteprama for details. :ticket:

Western Film Vibes

Wander the streets and feel like you're in a classic spaghetti western movie. :movie_camera:

Who asked for Salvatore by Lana Del Ray?#salvatore #covers #cover #coversong #fypシ #fyp #viralvideo
@inkilovesyou
2.8M likes • 16.7M views
🎬 San Salvatore di Sinis: Il Vecchio West in Sardegna 👉🏻Sapevi che in Sardegna esiste un angolo di Vecchio West? San Salvatore di Sinis, con le sue strade polverose e le case in pietra, è stato il set di numerosi film western italiani. Questo piccolo borgo, sospeso nel tempo, è una gemma nascosta per gli amanti del cinema e della storia. 😉Chi conosceva questa particolarità della Sardegna? Fate...
aroundandabouttreviso
21.3K likes • 1.2M views

Ghost Town Charm

Enjoy the unique, quiet atmosphere of this largely uninhabited village. :ghost:

Corsa degli Scalzi

If visiting in September, prepare for a deeply spiritual and energetic local event. :running:

Direttamente dal ‘Far West’ sardo di San Salvatore di Sinis, qualche dritta su come gestire una ferita d’arma da fuoco (sperando che non servano mai 😝). Qui il tempo sembra essersi fermato tra polvere, vecchie case e storie di cowboy… ma le nozioni di primo soccorso devono essere sempre aggiornate! #PrimoSoccorso #WesternVibes #SanSalvatoreDiSinis”
latitudex__academy
17 likes • 479 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Hypogeum Tours

Visit the hypogeum by reservation only. Contact @fondazione.monteprama for details. :ticket:

Western Film Vibes

Wander the streets and feel like you're in a classic spaghetti western movie. :movie_camera:

Ghost Town Charm

Enjoy the unique, quiet atmosphere of this largely uninhabited village. :ghost:

Corsa degli Scalzi

If visiting in September, prepare for a deeply spiritual and energetic local event. :running:

Ancient Water Cult Site

Learn about its history as a site for water worship in Nuragic times. :droplet:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by San Salvatore di Sinis's unique 'Old West' atmosphere and its history as a spaghetti western film set. The largely uninhabited village offers a peaceful, almost surreal experience, with the ancient hypogeum adding a layer of historical depth. While charming, it's important to note that the village is very quiet outside of specific events like the Corsa degli Scalzi.

What People Like

Authentic Western vibe
Cinematic history
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Very quiet outside events
Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

San Salvatore di Sinis is located near Cabras in Sardinia. The easiest way to reach it is by car, as public transport options are limited. It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Cagliari and a 1-hour drive from Oristano. Parking is generally available near the village entrance. Instagram

Public transport to San Salvatore di Sinis is infrequent. While buses might run to nearby Cabras, you'll likely need to arrange a taxi or combine bus travel with a significant walk. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility. Instagram

The village is small and best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are dusty and uneven. Allow at least an hour to wander and soak in the atmosphere. Instagram

Yes, San Salvatore di Sinis is close to the archaeological site of Tharros and the beautiful beaches of the Sinis Peninsula. You can also visit the town of Cabras, known for its glass art and local cuisine. Instagram

Follow signs for Cabras and then look for signs directing you to San Salvatore di Sinis. The village is distinct with its unique architecture, making it recognizable once you're close. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there is no entrance fee to wander through the village itself. However, specific attractions within the village, like the hypogeum, may require a ticket or prior booking. Instagram

The village is accessible year-round, but it's largely uninhabited outside of special events. The hypogeum has specific visiting hours and requires advance reservation. Instagram

Yes, the hypogeum is now open for visits on reservation. It's advisable to contact @fondazione.monteprama for booking information and availability. Instagram

The Corsa degli Scalzi is a traditional event, and while there might not be a direct admission fee for spectators, it's best to check local event listings for any specific arrangements or viewing areas. Instagram

While official guided tours might be limited, the village's unique atmosphere and history are easily explored independently. Local guides may be available during peak event times. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The entire village is a photographer's dream, especially the dusty streets lined with stone houses, evoking a Western movie set. The hypogeum also offers unique photographic opportunities. Instagram

Absolutely! San Salvatore di Sinis has been a popular filming location for spaghetti westerns and other movies due to its authentic, timeless appearance. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and a cinematic feel, enhancing the Western aesthetic. Midday sun can be harsh. Instagram

Photography rules inside the hypogeum may vary. It's best to inquire about restrictions when booking your visit. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the village's expansive feel, while a prime lens can be useful for detail shots. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ History & Culture

San Salvatore di Sinis has a rich history, serving as a site of worship for water cults in the Nuragic era. It later became a pilgrimage site and was famously used as a set for spaghetti westerns in the 1960s and 70s. Instagram+1

The village is largely uninhabited for most of the year, with residents only returning for specific events like the Corsa degli Scalzi. This creates a quiet, almost deserted atmosphere. Instagram+1

This is a deeply traditional Sardinian event held in September, involving hundreds of men running barefoot from Cabras to San Salvatore di Sinis as an act of devotion and sacrifice. Instagram+1

Numerous spaghetti westerns, including 'Giarrettiera Colt' and 'Se sei vivo spara,' were filmed here. It has also been a backdrop for dramas and documentaries. Instagram+1

The hypogeum is an ancient underground structure believed to have been used for rituals, possibly related to water worship, reflecting the site's long history of spiritual significance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

San Salvatore di Sinis offers a unique adventure for families, especially those with children who enjoy imaginative play. The 'ghost town' and 'Old West' atmosphere can spark their creativity, turning a visit into an exploration of a pretend movie set. Instagram Encourage them to imagine cowboys and film crews roaming the dusty streets.

While the village itself is open, the Hypogeum might be more suitable for older children who can appreciate its historical significance and navigate the underground space safely. Ensure you book visits in advance. For a more active experience, consider visiting during the Corsa degli Scalzi if your children can handle crowds and the excitement of a large event. Instagram+1

🎬 Film Buffs & History Enthusiasts

For lovers of cinema and history, San Salvatore di Sinis is a pilgrimage site. You can walk the very streets where iconic spaghetti westerns were filmed, imagining the scenes and the legendary actors who once graced this location. Instagram+1 Take time to appreciate the preserved architecture that makes the village feel frozen in time, a perfect backdrop for cinematic narratives.

Delve deeper into the site's ancient past by exploring the Hypogeum, a testament to Nuragic-era rituals. Instagram Understanding its dual identity – as a film set and an ancient sacred site – provides a rich and layered experience. Consider researching some of the films shot here before your visit to enhance your appreciation. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

San Salvatore di Sinis is an excellent destination for solo travelers seeking a unique and contemplative experience. The quiet, almost deserted nature of the village allows for peaceful exploration and reflection. Instagram You can wander at your own pace, soaking in the atmosphere and imagining the stories held within its stone walls.

It's a fantastic opportunity for photography, with the 'Old West' aesthetic offering endless visual interest. Instagram Visiting the Hypogeum can add a layer of historical discovery to your solo journey. Instagram The village's distinct character makes it a memorable stop, offering a sense of solitude and a connection to both cinematic history and ancient traditions. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Cinematic Legacy of San Salvatore di Sinis

San Salvatore di Sinis holds a special place in the history of Italian cinema, particularly for its role as a backdrop in the golden age of spaghetti westerns. Its dusty streets, stone houses, and remote feel made it an ideal location to replicate the American Wild West. Films like 'Giarrettiera Colt' (1968) and 'Se sei vivo spara' (1967), among others, utilized the village's authentic, timeless aesthetic to create immersive cinematic experiences. Instagram+2

Beyond westerns, the village's evocative atmosphere has also attracted filmmakers for dramas and documentaries, such as 'Figlia Mia'. This cinematic heritage adds another layer of intrigue for visitors, allowing them to walk through scenes they might have seen on screen and appreciate the unique visual appeal that drew directors to this Sardinian gem. Instagram

For film enthusiasts, exploring San Salvatore di Sinis is like stepping onto a movie set. The preserved architecture and the quiet solitude of the village allow for a vivid imagination of the action and drama that once unfolded here, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of cinema. Instagram

The Corsa degli Scalzi: A Sacred Sardinian Tradition

The Corsa degli Scalzi (Barefoot Race) is one of the most significant and deeply rooted traditions in Sardinia, culminating in San Salvatore di Sinis. Held annually in September, this event is far more than just a race; it's a profound act of devotion and sacrifice. Hundreds of participants, known as 'is curridoris,' run barefoot from the town of Cabras to the village of San Salvatore, a journey steeped in religious and historical symbolism. Instagram+2

The night before the race is described as the 'longest night,' representing an equivalent to the Garden of Gethsemane in Christian symbolism – a time of intense prayer and anticipation before the 'sacrifice.' This spiritual preparation underscores the solemnity and emotional weight of the event. The tradition is believed to have ancient origins, possibly linked to pre-Christian rituals and the site's historical importance as a place of worship. Instagram+1

For visitors, witnessing the Corsa degli Scalzi offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Sardinian culture and faith. The energy, devotion, and communal spirit are palpable, making it an unforgettable experience. It transforms the usually quiet 'ghost town' into a vibrant center of tradition and celebration. Instagram+1

The Ancient Hypogeum of San Salvatore

Beneath the surface of San Salvatore di Sinis lies the Hypogeum, an ancient underground structure that offers a fascinating glimpse into the site's prehistoric past. This subterranean complex is believed to have been a significant ritualistic site, possibly connected to water cults prevalent in the Nuragic era. Its discovery and preservation shed light on the spiritual practices of Sardinia's earliest inhabitants. Instagram

Access to the hypogeum is a relatively recent development, requiring advance reservation. This ensures that the delicate structure is protected while allowing visitors to explore its chambers. The experience of descending into this ancient space is often described as incredible and awe-inspiring, providing a tangible link to millennia of history. Instagram

Visiting the hypogeum is a must for history buffs and those interested in archaeology. It complements the village's more recent cinematic history by revealing its much deeper, ancient roots. Booking in advance is crucial, so plan accordingly to include this unique historical site in your itinerary. Instagram

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