Dualchi is a small village of Sardinia that count about 600 souls, situated in the historical region of Marghine, not far from Macomer. Along the way to reach it, the stops are necessary, for the surrounding area is rich in archaeological testimonies and numerous villages that would be a pity to miss. In this case, we crossed quickly Birori, and then went in search of his dolmen, and an impressive Nuraghe drew us from afar, owing to brambles and weeds, though, we could not reach it.
The passage to Dualchi happened very quickly, but still, the abridged time was enough to enjoy numerous corners and details that enchanted me. The warm April afternoon was fading slowly. Some children on the street were cycling, running and cutting in in front of each other. Then, some elderly people started off the evening out of their doorstep with a slow walk, or to enjoy a little bit of sunshine. Dualchi, in a sense, surprised me. The carefulness with which it protects and enhances its identity within the village, surprised me. On the side of the main square there is a widening in which the villagers were certainly used to lay in supplies of water. There is still a fully functional, wide fountain. All in Dualchi has something of the past, but it is a cherished past and is delighted of present time. There are many Murales that color the facades of the houses or simple walls… Mostly, what is portrayed are the villagers in the moments of daily life, in the “usual pose” where they were or are accustomed to live the urban areas.
They stand there, beautiful and expressive, painting the village historical memory, in a sort of “perennial being”, imbued with immortality… Thus, it happens, even for the swift passer-by, to meet many residents of Dualchi, receiving welcoming smiles, curious and friendly gazes… Among the many there is a Murales that stands out. It portrays some African women working the prickly pears. They tell me that the Pro Loco of Dualchi left for Eritrea for an exchange on knowledge of the processing of this delicious fruit. This experience, now, lay there in the middle of the village, as a living reminder for the community of Dualchi.
In the same historical heart of the village, the small, ancient and beautiful church of Sant’Antonio and its opposite square, transmitted me a lively feel of that “hallow the feasts”. Continuing through the maze of narrow streets, it is absolutely essential to pay attention to the details: the risk, in fact, is missing out architectural beauties of Spanish period.
So, it makes one wonder how those buildings of Dualchi originally could have been… How much and what life has been consumed through its streets… This, was my thought while saying goodbye to Dualchi, with a last quick look to the wonders of his Murales…
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