Tertenia is a town in the province of Ogliastra, in eastern Sardinia, set in the valley between Mount Ferru and the "tacco" (heel) of Monte Arbu. The area is characterized by dolomitic limestone heels and woods in the hinterland, sandy beaches and clear sea-water in the coastal part of the town. Tertenia was inhabited since the ancient times, as many artifacts dating back to the Neolithic period, reveal; the remains of the Nuraghic period are much numerous (67 nuraghi, sacred well, giants' graves and domus de janas). During the Middle Ages, Tertenia was part of the curacy of Quirra; in the XIV century it passed under the control of the Catalan-Aragonese Government and, in the first years of the XVI century, it was given in fief to the counts Quirra. In 1839 the marquis of Quirra was rescued by the Savoy Government.
With reference to the origin of the place name, according to Lo Spano it derives from the phoenician word "tzar" (fortress), while, according others, from "Dardani" or "Tartani" (Trojans).
Attractions:
- the rich archaeological complex of nutaghi (Nastasi, Longu, Aleri), giants' graves, sacred weel (Sa Brèca) and domus de janas;
- the Church of Beata Vergine Assunta, rebuilt in the ‘40s of the XX century in modern Romanesque style. Latin cross shaped, with one nave and wooden roof. It is flanked by a tall and squre bell tower, with ogival window;
- the country Church of San Pietro, rectangular shaped;
- the country Church of Santa Sofia, in Bizantine style;
- the Church of Santa Teresa, built in the XVIII century in the lower part of Tertenia. The façade has a beautiful carved wooden door with a small circular window;
- the Civic Museum of Modern Art, dedicated to the local sculptor Albino Manca, very appreciated in US;
- the coastal tower of San Giovanni, built in the second half of the XVIII entury and totally refurbished during the Second World War, when it was used as a bunker;
- the volcanic compmplex of Mount Ferru, rich in woods and paths;
- Sferracavallo cape, suggestive rocky promontory;
- Marina di Tertenia, with sandy beaches and beautiful cliffs (the beaches of Foxi Manna, Melisenda, Barisoni and Serrala).