Tipology:
Farmer
Description
The Purple-Flowered Chickpea of Musei is a historic legume variety cultivated in the Cixerri valley, around the town of Musei. Like the white-flowered version, it has been preserved over time thanks to the care of local farmers, who maintained its cultivation despite climatic challenges and difficult seasons. Characterized by its purple flowers, it represents a significant example of the area’s agricultural biodiversity and rural traditions.
Technical information
Kingdom:
Vegetale
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Cicer
Species:
Cicer arietinum L.
Origin Area:
Musei
For more information visit
www.biodiversitasardegna.it
Farmers of biodiversity
The interest's points
Tipology:
Point of interest
Musei
Musei is a small municipality in southwestern Sardinia, located in the Sulcis area, surrounded by gentle hills, vineyards, and rural landscapes that reflect an agricultural and tranquil Sardinia. Far from mass tourism, the village offers an authentic experience shaped by traditions, a slow pace of life, and a strong connection to the land.
The area preserves important historical evidence, including nuraghi, domus de janas, and remains of Punic and Roman settlements, attesting to millennia of human presence. Village life is closely linked to agriculture, shepherding, and rural activities that have long characterized Sulcis. The historic center, compact and orderly, maintains a familiar atmosphere with simple houses, quiet squares, and a community life marked by religious and popular festivals that keep local traditions alive.
Musei’s agricultural landscape is ideal for lovers of slow and sustainable tourism: walks among fields and vineyards, visits to farms and local wineries, allow travelers to discover a discreet yet charming territory. The gastronomy reflects this rural vocation, with authentic dishes based on local products, cheeses, traditional bread, and typical Sulcis wines.
In this context, the preservation of agricultural biodiversity is particularly important. In Musei, several guardians work to safeguard local traditional legumes: Cocco Antonello, Pireddu Fulvio, and Secci Claudia protect the White-Flowered Chickpea of Musei; Portas Giovanni preserves both the White-Flowered and Purple-Flowered Chickpea of Musei; Franzina Simone Pietro and Pisano Doriano care for the White-Flowered Chickpea, the Purple-Flowered Chickpea, and the Black Lentil of Calasetta. Thanks to their dedication, these precious native legumes continue to be preserved and passed on to future generations, keeping Musei’s agricultural and cultural identity alive.
