The Lanusei Astronomical Observatory, a branch of the Cagliari Astronomical Observatory (INAF), was chosen precisely for the exceptional quality of its night sky. Far from the light pollution of the coasts, at nearly 600 metres altitude, the starry horizon of Lanusei is among the clearest in all of eastern Sardinia. On some summer nights it is possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
The Diocese of Lanusei was established in 1824 by Pope Leo XII, driven by the territorial reforms of the post-Napoleonic period. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Maddalena thus became the seat of a bishop, conferring on the small mountain town a most respectable ecclesiastical rank that still defines its identity and prestige throughout the entire Ogliastra region.
The Cherry Festival, held every year between May and June, celebrates one of the territory's most beloved products. Thanks to the mountain microclimate — cold winters and mild summers — the cherries of Lanusei develop a particular sweetness and texture, sought after in markets throughout Sardinia. The festival draws visitors from every corner of the island and transforms into a celebration of music, traditional dances, and authentic flavours.
The Seleni Wood, a few kilometres from the centre of Lanusei, is one of the most evocative corners of inland Ogliastra. Within it grow centuries-old holm oaks and cork oaks, some with trunk circumferences exceeding three metres. The wood has always been considered a place of silence and contemplation, frequented in the past by hermits and shepherds. Today it is an ideal destination for hikers and lovers of the most authentic nature.