A dive into the history, traditions and culture of the country. So for two days the jewels of San Gavino Monreale were stormed inside the event 'Monumenti Aperti' organized by Imago Mundi and which saw the participation of many volunteers starting from the students of the city schools.

Thus, over 400 people visited the facilities of the historic foundry of San Gavino Monreale, opened way back on 10 June 1932 and today the only remaining industry in the Medio Campidano.

They were able to visit the various departments of the Sangavino factory where gold and silver ingots are obtained from the refining of lead, which constitute the business of the plant owned by Portovesme Srl. The guides were 4 employees of the factory Paolo Casu, Andrea Sebis, Andrea Canargiu and Alessio Frau who were able to enthuse the visitors who came from Sassari and in some cases even from distant Scotland.

"The plant - the guide Alessio Frau points out - was opened in 1932 and still provides very important paychecks to the area. The silver galena is brought from South America and in San Gavino the lead is refined and the silver and gold are separated. The plants are always in operation 24 hours a day and are divided into three shifts. In addition, visitors had the opportunity to visit the air raid shelter built during the Second World War. It could accommodate up to 500 people and we brought it back to light in 2018 by digging with other employees inside the tunnel to eliminate the earth accumulated over the decades".

Among the visitors there are many former employees like Marco Argiolas: "I spent more than 42 years of my life as an employee of the foundry until I retired a few years ago. What enthused the many tourists was the visit to the various departments and also the view of the silver and gold ingots obtained after so many processes."

Sports enthusiasts visited the Sardinian football museum 'Nuccio Delunas', footballer and historical figure of Sangavino sports. The guides were the volunteers of Monreale football and Corrado Delunas, Nuccio's son: «Years ago I donated a rich collection of photographs, shirts, trophies, memorabilia and documents that tell decades of football passion, from amateur activity to the great feats of local teams. There are also the shirts of Cagliari footballers like Zola. Now I hope that the museum can always remain open with the management that I suggested to entrust to the Monreale company».

The councilor for culture Riccardo Pinna is enthusiastic: «This year too, Monumenti Aperti has confirmed itself as a precious event for our country: an opportunity to enhance the cultural, artistic and tourist heritage of San Gavino Monreale, but above all to feel like a community. Thanks to the commitment of many volunteers, students and associations, numerous places of our history have come back to life through visits and stories. The great participation of the public, with hundreds of visits throughout the weekend, is the most beautiful sign of interest in our identity and our roots».

In the heart of the town many tourists stop to see the painting exhibition of the artist from Sangavino Sergio Putzu in the Civis premises and also in the Dona Maxima house museum there are many visitors with the volunteers of the 'Sa Moba sarda' association. Then many more exhibitions and concerts such as the one of the piano class of the music department of the Comprehensive Institute of San Gavino Monreale under the guidance of maestro Sandro Silanus.

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