The origins of the name are uncertain: for some historians it probably derives from the Latin words "bene tutus" (everybody well), as according to the local legends, it reports the excellent health of the people, insured by the presence of a miraculous water source. Municipality in the province of Sassari, situated on the slopes of the plateau Goceano, near the river Tirso, bordering the province of Nuoro, is also known for its thermal springs. It was already in ancient times an important cultural center, which still preserves, perfectly intact, all types of typical Sardinian monuments, such as domus de Janas, dolmens, menhirs, nuraghi, etc.. The local people jealously guard their culinary traditions and their passion for the cultivation of vines, from which excellent wines are produced. Also vital for the local economy, is still the creation of handmade textiles and the manufacture of iron and stone. The area offers several hiking and mountain biking opportunities along several trails in close contact with the surrounding environment.
The presence of settlements are attested since the Neolithic Ages: in the area are visible, not only ancient tombs, nuraghi and several sites of archaeological interest, but also traces of the Roman times. The Romans settled in this area and took advantage of the thermal properties of the local springs. The territory was part of the Giudicato of Logudoro and was disputed for a long period, because of his wealth. Later Benetutti submitted the domain of the Aragonese government, which made especially difficult for several reasons, the conditions of life of the inhabitants. From the first half of the XVIII century the area was colonized by immigrants from Piedmont.
Attractions:
- the Parish Church of St. Helen, whose construction started in the XV century and continued later, features three different styles, as shown by its structure. The façade is of great simplicity, the Bell Tower with its square base were built in the second half of the XVII century. Inside are preserved four paintings by the artist Ozieri, a XVI century painter of Sardinian origin, depicting scenes of the life of the Saint, to whom the church is dedicated and a wooden statue of San Michele Arcangelo;
- the Church of San Saturnino, located on top of a hill, has clear ancient origins, but the precise year of construction is unknown. The first document, that attests the existence of the building dates back to 1164, when the Bishop de Castro ceded it to Camaldolesi;
- the Church of San Salvatore characterized by an individual asymmetric structure;
- the Church of Our Lady of Boloe;
- the XVII century Church of Santa Croce;
- the Church of Santa Rosalia;
- the Church of St. Timoteo;
- the Church of Santa Barbara;
- the hot springs of San Saturnino;
- the tomb of Mount Maone, which dates back to the III millennium B.C.;
- the domus of Montrigu Lolloe;
- Luzzanas, Molimentos, Mandra e'Giosso;
- the site of Corvaneddu.