Sardinia sport climbing: the new guidebook to Domusnovas

The new climbing guidebook to the area called Domusnovas in south-west Sardinia, one of the "historic" sport climbing areas on the island, is now available. More than 650 single pitch sport climbs and multi-pitches in 34 crags, enclosed in only 5 square kilometers. There’s a variety of styles that is unparalleled throughout the rest of Sardinia, from 4a slabs to a 9a+/9b overhang (the first in Italy) freed by Adam Ondra. The guidebook was compiled by the two most prolific new routers in Sardinia, Gianluca Piras and Maurizio Oviglia, and sponsored by local businesses from where it can be purchased.

Sport climbing in Sardinia was probably born in Domusnovas, if it is true that the first bolts were placed on the area’s limestone by Mondo Liggi, unquestionably the pioneer of sport climbing on this island. At that time cavers were also a little bit rock climbers and vice versa, probably because climbers always explorer the numerous Domusnovas grottos even when climbing and caving became two distinct activities.

In the eighties climbing started at Domusnovas in 1987, but it was only in the nineties that this area experienced its true golden age. During those years the crags were certainly the most popular in Sardinia, even if Domusnovas dosen’t have the sea close by or the amazing Supramonte. But the many cliffs offered rock and a variety of styles that made it one of the most interesting throughout Italy.

In those years the hardest routes were attempted by all the best national and international climbers, including Adam Ondra, currently the best climber in the world. In the Grotta di San Giovanni cave Ondra made the first ascent of the hardest route he had ever climbed at that time, suggesting - for the first time in Italy - the grade 9a+/b.

It’s impossible to mention all those responsible for this international climbing paradise, we would risk forgetting someone. All we will do is say that we were there when the first routes were established and we are still here today, in a moment when the crags need to re-bolted, restored and relaunched: our constant commitment to bolting and maintaining routes for the past 30 years now needs your support. So that this commitment can renew itself and brush off onto new generations, ensuring that climbing doesn’t abandon the natural environment but, on the contrary, manages to appreciate the added value of being outdoors.

Gian Luca Piras and Maurizio Oviglia

Domusnovas, Sardinia 
by Gian Luca Piras and Maurizio Oviglia
The guidebook was financed by: B&B Pedra Rubia, Il Castello di Gioiosa Guardia, Il Pomo d’Oro, Saluti &Trigu, Bar ristorante Temptation at Domusnovas, the climbign shops Outdoorsportsardinia in Cagliari and Turco at Carbonia, the climbing gym Quartu V10 and by Petzl. The authors wish to thank the Sardian Mountain and caving rescue service. The guidebook can be purchased at the shops mentioned above or via the website www.pietradiluna.com

Crags
1 - Castilandia
2 - Cartoonia
3 - Piccola Bottega degli Orrori
4 - Free Sex
5 - Sexy Shop
6 - Rifondazione Strapiombista 
7 - Rifondazione Cinese
8 . Chinatown
9 - Broadway
10 - Arrampicantro
11 - Isola degli Amici
12 - Puerto Escondido
13 - Canneland
14 - Bronx
15 - La Pescheria
16 - Il Cineforum
17 - Castello di Betty
18 - Baby Parking
19 - Chemical Area
20 - Tana delle Tigri
21 - Animal House
22 - Ruota del Tempo
23 - Bambini Francesi
24 - Sherwood
25 - Sherwood Kids
26 - Polo Negativo
27 - Pollo Positivo
28 - L’Ultima Catastrofe
29 - Settore Picchio
30 - Technicolor
31 - Placca di Barraxiutta

Multi-pitches
32 - Monte Acqua
33 - Banana Split
34 - S’Arcareddu