Samatzai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samatzai
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|---|---|
| Comune di Samatzai | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sardinia |
| Province | South Sardinia |
| Frazioni | Barrali, Donòri, Guasila, Nuraminis, Pimentel, Serrenti (VS), Ussana |
| Area | |
| • Total | 31.12 km2 (12.02 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 174 m (571 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 1,746 |
| • Density | 56.105/km2 (145.31/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code |
09020
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| Dialing code | 070 |
Samatzai is a small town in Sardinia, Italy. It is part of the province of South Sardinia. The town is located on the edge of a large plain called the Campidano. Samatzai is about 33 kilometers (20 miles) away from Cagliari, which is the capital city of Sardinia.
The name Samatzai might come from an old Greek word, 'samax'. This word means "rush mat," which is a type of woven mat. Another idea is that the name comes from Samas, an ancient god from Mesopotamia. People believe that Samatzai has been lived in since the Nuragic times. This was a very old period in Sardinian history. The people who live in Samatzai are called samatzesi. The town's special protector saint is John the Baptist.
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History and Landmarks
Samatzai has a rich history, with signs of people living there for thousands of years. The town's buildings show its past.
Important Buildings
The most famous building in Samatzai is the Church of San Giovanni Battista. It was built in the 15th century. This church has a special style called Aragonese-influenced Gothic architecture. This means it mixes the Gothic style, known for its tall arches and detailed stonework, with influences from the Kingdom of Aragon. Aragon was a powerful kingdom that once ruled parts of Italy.
There are other old churches in Samatzai too. The Santa Barbara church was built in the 17th century. There is also a church called San Marco, but it is now in ruins.
Monte Granitico
The Monte Granitico is another interesting building. It used to be a grain silo. A grain silo is a tall building used to store grain, like wheat or corn. Today, the Monte Granitico is a library. It is known for its unusual design inside.
Economy and Life
The economy of Samatzai mainly focuses on the primary sector. This means most people work in jobs that get raw materials from nature. These jobs include farming, fishing, and mining.
Local Industries
Even though farming is very important, Samatzai is also home to a big cement works. A cement works is a factory that makes cement. Cement is a material used to build things like roads and buildings. This factory is one of the most important ones in Italy.
