Location of Iron Mountain Studio
Santu Lussurgiu, Sardinia, Italy

Santu Lussurgiu is a village 503 meters above sea level situated in the crater of a massive volcano mountain, extinct for millions of years, called Montiferru (Iron Mountain) in the province of Oristano. It is located in center-western Sardinia, and is one of the best-preserved historical villages on the island. Forests of Oak and Chestnut trees encircle the village and its mountainous location. The village developed around the small rustic church of Holy Cross (built in 1185 A.D.) and has the characteristic structure of an amphitheater, with ancient stone houses built in concentric configuration along winding and steep narrow cobbled lanes that exist to this day.

Santu Lussurgiu is in one of the most beautiful areas of Sardinia. The particular geologic conformation of Montiferru makes it and the surrounding area a perfect location for an artist retreat. From the rock outcroppings and the diverse flora and fauna on the mountain, to one of the many beautiful beaches in the area, the landscape changes dramatically in just a matter of a few miles.  In every season it is possible to see in the surrounding pastures, sheep, and herds of bue rosso, a special breed of red beef cattle typical to this area of Sardinia, as well as horses of Anglo-Arab-Sardinian lineage.

At a distance of 15 miles is the environmental interesting ecosystem of salt marsh ponds of the Sinis peninsula with their populations of herons and flamingos. The territory around Santu Lussurgiu accommodates many different forms of wildlife from the mountain wild boar, ermines, and several different kinds of hawks, Thrush, and a special Sardinian woodcock. As well as endangered species like the Grifone (a native vulture), the Peregrine Falcon, Mouflon (a unique species of Ungulate), the Sardinian red deer, the Sardinian hare and Sardinian wild cats.

Santu Lussurgiu is also located within the heart of the richest archaeological zone of Sardinia. From the impressive Nuraghe Losa to the sacred well of Saint Cristina, the territory around Santu Lussurgiu is rich with small caves dug into the cliff's sides, going back to Neolithic period, called domus de janas, or the "houses of the fairies". There are also more imposing burial monuments of the nuraghic period (1800-1238 b.c.) called "tombs of the giants".

Arriving to Santu Lussurgiu
Arriving in Santu Lussurgiu from Europe or the United States is usually through the Cagliari or Alghero airports. There are no direct train or bus services to Santu Lussurgiu. It will then be necessary to hire a limousine (the cost is about 100 Euro for the one way trip to or from Santu Lussurgiu) or to rent a car for your stay. Santu Lussurgiu is 1-1/2 hours away, about equal-distant between either airport. While a car is not necessary for getting around in the village or for walks outside the village, a car or tour guide (for-hire) is needed for seeing sites beyond the village .