Lollove: Sardinia’s Cursed Village Frozen in Time
iscover Lollove, Sardinia’s cursed village near Nuoro. Explore its haunting legend, medieval streets, literary roots, and how it lives again each autumn.
SARDEGNA


Region: Sardinia
Province / Nearest City: Province of Nuoro / Nuoro (10 km away)
Attraction Name: Lollove – The “Cursed” Medieval Hamlet
Address: Via Chiesa, Lollove, 08100 Nuoro (historic center)
Distance from Major City: ~170 km from Cagliari (about 2h 30 min by car)
How to Get There:
By car: From Nuoro, take SP42 for about 15 minutes to reach Lollove. From Cagliari, follow SS131 to Nuoro and then continue toward Lollove.
By public transport: Direct buses do not reach Lollove. The closest hub is Nuoro; from there, a short taxi ride is needed.
What Makes It Unique in the World: Lollove is one of the smallest villages in Italy, with fewer than 15 residents, yet it holds a magnetic aura. Stone houses, narrow cobbled lanes, and complete silence create the sensation of stepping into a medieval time capsule. But what makes it truly unique is the legend: cursed by fleeing nuns in the 18th century to “never grow and never die,” Lollove feels forever suspended between life and oblivion.
Local Story / Fun Fact: Sardinian Nobel laureate Grazia Deledda chose Lollove as the setting for her novel La Madre. According to locals, the curse still lingers—despite attempts, the village has never expanded nor vanished completely.
Best Time to Visit: Autumn, during the Autunno in Barbagia festival, when Lollove reopens for a weekend of artisan workshops, tastings, and cultural events. Spring is also beautiful, with wildflowers dotting the surrounding hills.
Nearby Food & Stay: For rustic Sardinian flavors—like pane carasau, pecorino cheese, and porcheddu—head to agriturismi near Nuoro. Stays are limited in Lollove itself, but Nuoro offers B&Bs and hotels just 15 minutes away.