The sound of sand crunching beneath your feet is accompanied by the high clinking noise of shattered tiles as you walk along the red brick road leading to the abandoned La Ceramica factory. In its prime during the 1940s and 1950s, this factory played a crucial role in the reconstruction of wartorn Sardinia.
A Once-Bustling Hub
La Ceramica comprises two main structures: the factory itself and an adjoining office building. Abandoned in the 1980s, the site is now littered with piles of red bricks. Many of these bricks have been broken over time, transforming into a layer of crimson sand that glistens in the sunset. The light casts long shadows through the broken doors and windows, creating an eerie yet captivating scene.
Inside the Factory
Delicate spiral stairs invite the curious to the upper level, where a large firing kiln stands surrounded by thousands of neatly stacked tiles. The walls still bear remnants of ornate brickwork, a testament to the craftsmanship of the past. On the ground level, two massive firing tunnels dominate a tall, empty hall. Rainwater has collected in pools on the floor, mirroring the factory’s open interior and adding to the haunting beauty of the place.
The Office Building
In the office building, the shower room is completely demolished, and the office windows are bricked up—naturally, with the same red bricks. Graffiti from the past few decades decorates the walls, featuring messages like “bum bum bum,” “Pink Floyd,” and “Marco and Maria 8/8/1986.” The empty rooms have become a haven for nature, with bees peacefully buzzing and grasshoppers, insects, and birds filling the air with their sounds.
Visiting La Ceramica
Know Before You Go
Reaching the factory involves navigating a path obstructed by fallen trees and cement walls, but there is a narrow gap just large enough to squeeze through. Exercise caution as the road is littered with broken bricks and large stones. About 160 feet before the factory, a deep “river” formed by rainwater cuts across the path. The site is also scattered with broken glass and sharp shards, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Exploring La Ceramica offers a glimpse into Sardinia’s industrial past and the quiet, poignant beauty of an abandoned place reclaimed by nature.
