Ethnographic Museum

Region

Coastal town with a historic fortress on a hill, overlooking the sea. Lush green landscape in the foreground under a clear, bright sky. Serene ambiance.

The Ethnographic Museum of Palau preserves the memory of Gallura’s rural life through the tradition of the stazzo. First appearing in the late 1600s, a stazzo was not just a farmhouse, but a self-sufficient homestead with cultivated land, grazing areas, woods for firewood, and access to water. Life here was tough — marked by hard work and resilience — but it shaped a culture full of character. Visiting the museum is like stepping into those stories, told through objects and lived experiences.

Cows graze peacefully on a dry, grassy hillside under a pale evening sky. Rolling hills and distant mountains create a serene rural backdrop.
A rustic cart with bundles of wheat and grain sheaves arranged on top and sides. The wooden wheels and earthy tones evoke a vintage, agrarian feel.
A rustic wooden shed wall displaying assorted vintage tools like saws, chisels, and hammers, evoking a nostalgic, weathered feel with muted colors.

Palau, via Nazionale 111

Explore the roots of Palau through a journey into the world of the stazzo — Gallura’s traditional country home — and discover the agricultural and pastoral soul of this ancient land.

Key facts

  • Rural heritage
  • Historic everyday objects
  • Farming and herding tools
  • Traditional bread and cheese production

A world of beauty

A hilltop fortress

Monte Altura – where military history meets panoramic peace
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Ancient stone fortress atop a rocky hill, surrounded by sparse bushes, under a clear blue sky. Warm lighting gives the scene a historic, serene feel.

The bear above the sea

A spectacular natural sculpture wrapped in myth and legend.
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Rock formation on a coastal cliff with intricate natural arches and holes, under a clear blue sky. The scene feels rugged and majestic.

Lighthouse excursion

Reach the historic lighthouse on foot or by sea — steeped in charm and legend.
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A serene coastal landscape with a rocky foreground and a small white lighthouse, overlooking a calm blue sea. Distant mountains provide a tranquil backdrop.

From dunes to shore

Two rocky headlands cradle the beauty of Cala di Trana
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A person in a blue swimsuit floats joyfully on their back in clear, sunlit water. The scene conveys a sense of relaxation and freedom.

Giants of the past

A small Giant’s Tomb with immense charm.
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Aerial view of a stone structure shaped like a keyhole surrounded by lush green trees. A dirt path runs alongside, creating a serene, natural setting.

Church of Santa Rita

Commissioned by Count Rafael, dedicated to Saint Rita, patron of artists.
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View through partially open green doors into a small chapel with religious statues, floral arrangements, and a tiled floor, conveying a serene atmosphere.

The Count’s Descent

A granite stairway linking the little church to the piazzetta
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A serene garden scene at sunset features lush greenery and a tall tree. A white wall with framed photos and a small sign creates a peaceful atmosphere.