Sarcidano Station, built in the early 20th century and inaugurated in 1915, is located a few kilometers from the town of Isili.
What makes it particularly fascinating today is its unique position on the shores of Lake San Sebastiano, enhancing the charm of its old buildings. Additionally, it lies just a few hundred meters from the underwater canyon of Corrigas, whose cliffs are popular among free climbers.
The station’s history is tied to the development of mining activities in central Sardinia. It was designed as a junction between the Isili-Sorgono line, operational since 1889, and the Isili-Villacidro line, constructed later to connect to the industries in Villacidro. This railway was crucial to the increasing mining operations in central Sardinia during the early 1900s. Evidence of this can still be seen in the station, where mining carts used to transport extracted materials are on display.
The Isili-Villacidro line operated from 1915 until 1956, when it was decommissioned due to the decline in mining activities after World War II. Consequently, Sarcidano Station lost its role as a junction and became a simple transit point. The Isili-Villacidro line was not only abandoned but also physically dismantled, although parts of it are now used as a cycling path connecting Isili to Nuragus. The Isili-Sorgono line, however, continued operating until 1997 and is now exclusively used for the Trenino Verde tourist service.
Exploring Isili by Trenino Verde
The stretch of railway between Isili town and Sarcidano Station is one of the most scenic and captivating in Sardinia. In just a few kilometers, the route passes by the Nuraghe Is Paras, continues alongside Lake San Sebastiano, and offers views of the lake from the dam to the islet of San Sebastiano, before arriving at Sarcidano Station.
The journey begins at Isili Station, the terminus of the public transport line from Cagliari. Built in the 1880s, the station still retains some original architectural elements. After passing through Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Isili’s main street, the train circles the town and stops at the railway crossing near Nuraghe Is Paras, equipped with a platform for passenger stops. The ride then continues through the rural Pardu area, showcasing a typical Sardinian countryside landscape of small sheepfolds and dry stone walls, with distant glimpses of the lake. As the train approaches the lake, it runs parallel to the water, passing alongside the picturesque islet, offering a unique perspective of the Church of San Sebastiano—different from the view available along State Road 128.
Just before reaching Sarcidano Station, the train crosses a remarkable section where three bridges can be seen within a short distance: the road viaduct of State Road 128, the remnants of the old stone railway bridge used by the Isili-Sorgono line, and the current bridge built for the Isili-Villacidro line, which spans the lake arm extending into the underwater Canyon of Corrigas. The train then enters a short tunnel before arriving at Sarcidano Station.
