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Oristano Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Oristano: Geography, History, and Cultural Heritage

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Oristano: Geography, History, and Cultural Heritage Study Guide

Oristano: General Overview and Demographics

Oristano is located in the central-western part of Sardinia, specifically on the northern section of the Campidano plain.

Answer: True

Explanation: The city of Oristano is situated in the central-western part of Sardinia, on the northern section of the Campidano plain, as detailed in the source.

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Oristano was officially designated as a provincial capital in 1984.

Answer: False

Explanation: Oristano was officially established as a provincial capital on July 16, 1974, not 1984.

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As of December 2017, Oristano's population exceeded 40,000 inhabitants.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of December 2017, Oristano's population was recorded as 31,671 inhabitants, which is less than 40,000.

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The economy of Oristano is primarily driven by heavy industry and mining.

Answer: False

Explanation: Oristano's economy is primarily based on services, agriculture, tourism, and small industries, not heavy industry and mining.

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The Sardinian name for Oristano is *Aristanis*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The city is known as *Aristanis* in Sardinian, as stated in the provided information.

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Oristano experiences a temperate oceanic climate with consistent rainfall throughout the year.

Answer: False

Explanation: Oristano experiences a subtropical Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters with seasonal rainfall, not consistent rainfall throughout the year.

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The average daily maximum temperature in Oristano's hottest month (August) is 32.2 °C (90.0 °F).

Answer: True

Explanation: Based on 1981-2010 data, the average daily maximum temperature in Oristano during August, its hottest month, is indeed 32.2 °C (90.0 °F).

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July typically receives the most average precipitation in Oristano.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to climate data, November typically receives the most average precipitation in Oristano, while July receives the least.

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Oristano is twinned with Ciutadella de Menorca, Spain, and Garden City, Kansas, United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: Oristano maintains twinning relationships with Ciutadella de Menorca, Spain, and Garden City, Kansas, United States.

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The current mayor of Oristano is Giovanni Piras.

Answer: False

Explanation: The current mayor of Oristano is Andrea Lutzu, not Giovanni Piras.

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Oristano is situated at an elevation of 30 meters (10 feet) above sea level.

Answer: False

Explanation: Oristano is located at an elevation of 10 meters (30 feet) above sea level, not 30 meters (10 feet).

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The demonyms for people from Oristano are Oristanesi and Aristanesus.

Answer: True

Explanation: The residents of Oristano are referred to by the demonyms Oristanesi and Aristanesus.

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The patron saint of Oristano is St. Archelaus, whose feast day is celebrated on February 13.

Answer: True

Explanation: St. Archelaus is the patron saint of Oristano, with his feast day observed on February 13.

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Marina di Torre Grande is one of the *frazioni* (subdivisions) of Oristano.

Answer: True

Explanation: Marina di Torre Grande is listed as one of the *frazioni*, or subdivisions, that constitute the municipality of Oristano.

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Which of the following best describes Oristano's geographical location?

Answer: In the central-western part of Sardinia, on the northern section of the Campidano plain.

Explanation: Oristano is located in the central-western part of the island of Sardinia, specifically on the northern section of the Campidano plain.

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When was Oristano officially established as a provincial capital?

Answer: July 16, 1974

Explanation: Oristano was officially designated as the provincial capital on July 16, 1974.

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What was the approximate population of Oristano as of December 2017?

Answer: 31,671 inhabitants

Explanation: As of December 2017, the city of Oristano had a population of 31,671 inhabitants.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a primary sector driving Oristano's economy?

Answer: Heavy industry

Explanation: Oristano's economy is primarily based on services, agriculture, tourism, and small industries; heavy industry is not listed as a primary sector.

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What is the Sardinian name for Oristano?

Answer: Aristanis

Explanation: The Sardinian name for Oristano is *Aristanis*.

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What type of climate does Oristano experience?

Answer: Subtropical Mediterranean

Explanation: Oristano experiences a subtropical Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters.

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According to 1981-2010 data, which month in Oristano typically receives the most average precipitation?

Answer: November

Explanation: Based on 1981-2010 climate data, November typically receives the most average precipitation in Oristano.

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Which two international cities are twinned with Oristano?

Answer: Ciutadella de Menorca, Spain and Garden City, Kansas, USA

Explanation: Oristano is twinned with Ciutadella de Menorca, Spain, and Garden City, Kansas, United States.

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Who is the current mayor of Oristano?

Answer: Andrea Lutzu

Explanation: The current mayor of Oristano is Andrea Lutzu.

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What is the elevation of Oristano above sea level?

Answer: 10 meters (30 feet)

Explanation: Oristano is situated at an elevation of 10 meters (30 feet) above sea level.

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What are the demonyms used for people from Oristano?

Answer: Oristanesi and Aristanesus

Explanation: The demonyms used for people from Oristano are Oristanesi and Aristanesus.

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Who is the patron saint of Oristano?

Answer: St. Archelaus

Explanation: The patron saint of Oristano is St. Archelaus.

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Which of the following is a *frazione* (subdivision) of Oristano?

Answer: Massama

Explanation: Massama is listed as one of the *frazioni*, or subdivisions, of Oristano.

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Historical Evolution and Governance

The Byzantines referred to Oristano as *Aristiánēs Límnē*, meaning 'Pond of Oristano'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, the Byzantines referred to Oristano as *Aristiánēs Límnē*, which translates to 'Pond of Oristano'.

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Oristano was founded near the ancient Roman settlement of *Tharros*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Oristano was founded near the ancient Phoenician settlement of *Othoca*, not *Tharros*.

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Oristano's importance increased in 1070 due to Archbishop Torcotorio relocating the bishopric from Tharros.

Answer: True

Explanation: Archbishop Torcotorio's relocation of the bishopric from Tharros to Oristano in 1070 significantly contributed to the city's growing importance.

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During the medieval period, Oristano became the capital of the 'Judicate' of Cagliari.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the medieval period, Oristano became the capital of the 'Judicate' of Arborea, not Cagliari.

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Oristano's medieval ambition was to conquer the entire island of Sicily.

Answer: False

Explanation: Oristano's primary ambition during medieval times was to achieve power over the entire island of Sardinia, not Sicily.

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The Judicate of Arborea ceased to exist in 1420, following the Battle of Sanluri.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Judicate of Arborea, the last Sardinian kingdom, ceased to exist in 1420, approximately ten years after the Battle of Sanluri.

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After the fall of the Judicate of Arborea, Oristano was transformed into a Duchy by the Aragonese.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the fall of the Judicate of Arborea, Oristano was transformed into a *Marchesato* (Marquisate) by the Aragonese, not a Duchy.

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Oristano was conquered by the Kingdom of Aragon in 1478 after the Battle of Macomer.

Answer: True

Explanation: Oristano was conquered by the Catalan troops of the Kingdom of Aragon in 1478, following the Battle of Macomer and a revolt led by Leonardo Alagon.

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After 1478, Oristano experienced only Aragonese-Spanish domination until the unification of Italy.

Answer: False

Explanation: After 1478, Oristano experienced Aragonese-Spanish domination until 1708, followed by Piedmontese rule from 1720, and then the unification of Italy.

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The Sardinian Action Party was founded in Oristano in April 1921 by World War I veterans.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Sardinian Action Party was indeed founded in Oristano in April 1921 by Sardinian veterans of World War I, including David Cova, Emilio Lussu, and Camillo Bellieni.

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By what name did the Byzantines historically refer to Oristano?

Answer: Aristiánēs Límnē

Explanation: The Byzantines historically referred to Oristano as *Aristiánēs Límnē*, meaning 'Pond of Oristano'.

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Oristano was founded close to which ancient Phoenician settlement?

Answer: Othoca

Explanation: Oristano was founded near the ancient Phoenician settlement of *Othoca*, now known as Santa Giusta.

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What event in 1070 significantly increased Oristano's importance?

Answer: Archbishop Torcotorio relocating the bishopric from Tharros

Explanation: In 1070, Archbishop Torcotorio relocated the bishopric from Tharros to Oristano, a move that significantly increased the city's importance.

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Oristano became the capital of which medieval Sardinian kingdom?

Answer: Judicate of Arborea

Explanation: During the medieval period, Oristano became the capital of the 'Judicate' of Arborea.

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What was Oristano's primary ambition during medieval times?

Answer: To achieve power over the entire island of Sardinia.

Explanation: In medieval times, Oristano's primary ambition was to gain power over the entire island of Sardinia, leading to various conflicts.

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When did the Judicate of Arborea cease to exist?

Answer: 1420

Explanation: The Judicate of Arborea, the last Sardinian kingdom, ceased to exist in 1420.

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How was Oristano transformed by the Aragonese after the fall of the Judicate of Arborea?

Answer: It was transformed into a *Marchesato* (Marquisate).

Explanation: After the fall of the Judicate of Arborea, Oristano was transformed into a *Marchesato* (Marquisate) by the Aragonese.

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In what year was Oristano conquered by the Catalan troops of the Kingdom of Aragon?

Answer: 1478

Explanation: Oristano was conquered by the Catalan troops of the Kingdom of Aragon in 1478, following the Battle of Macomer.

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Which political party was founded in Oristano in April 1921 by Sardinian World War I veterans?

Answer: The Sardinian Action Party

Explanation: The Sardinian Action Party was founded in Oristano in April 1921 by Sardinian veterans of World War I.

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Architectural Heritage and Religious Sites

The fortifications of Oristano were initiated during the reign of Judge Mariano II.

Answer: True

Explanation: The construction of Oristano's fortifications began during the reign of Judge Mariano II.

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The Tower of St. Christophoros, built in 1290, is 19 meters tall and was one of the main gates of the ancient city walls.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Tower of St. Christophoros, also known as the Tower of Mariano II, was built in 1290, stands 19 meters tall, and served as a main gate of the ancient city walls.

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St. Mary's Cathedral was originally built in 1130 and has retained its original Romanesque style through all subsequent restorations.

Answer: False

Explanation: St. Mary's Cathedral was originally built in 1130 but was later rebuilt and now largely exhibits a Baroque architectural style due to a 19th-century restoration.

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The Gothic Chapel of the Rimedio within St. Mary's Cathedral contains medieval sculptures.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gothic Chapel of the Rimedio, part of St. Mary's Cathedral, contains medieval sculptures.

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The wooden statue of the *Annunziata* in St. Mary's Cathedral is attributed to the sculptor Donatello.

Answer: False

Explanation: The wooden statue of the *Annunziata* in St. Mary's Cathedral is attributed to the sculptor Nino Pisano, not Donatello.

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The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was built around 1200 and currently exhibits a neo-classical architectural style.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was constructed around 1200 and displays a neo-classical architectural style.

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The Christ of Nicodemus sculpture in the Church of St. Francis is believed to be a 16th-century work by Florentine masters.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Christ of Nicodemus sculpture in the Church of St. Francis is believed to be a 14th-century work by Valencian masters, not 16th-century Florentine masters.

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The Franciscan church of Santa Chiara, consecrated in 1428, is characterized by a single nave and a square apse in the French-Gothic style.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Franciscan church of Santa Chiara, consecrated in 1428, is an example of French-Gothic style, featuring a single nave and a square apse.

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The Church of Saint Sebastian is notable for being the only medieval church located inside the original city walls.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Church of Saint Sebastian is notable for being the only medieval *extramural* church, meaning it is located outside the original city walls.

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The Church of Saint Dominic was built in 1634 with funding solely from local nobleman Baldassarre Dedoni.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Church of Saint Dominic was built in 1634 with financial support from Baldassarre Dedoni, but also with donations from citizens.

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The Oratory of the Souls, located in Massama, displays influences from Visigothic art of the 8th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Oratory of the Souls in Massama is a pre-Romanesque church that exhibits influences from 8th-century Visigothic art.

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A statue in Oristano depicts Eleanor of Arborea holding the *Carta de Logu*.

Answer: True

Explanation: A statue in Oristano portrays Eleanor of Arborea holding the *Carta de Logu*, a significant historical legal code.

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The Port'a Ponti Door Tower is also known as the Tower of Mariano IV.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Port'a Ponti Door Tower is also known as the Tower of Mariano II, not Mariano IV.

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Who initiated the construction of Oristano's fortifications?

Answer: Judge Mariano II

Explanation: The fortifications of Oristano were designed and their construction initiated during the reign of Judge Mariano II.

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What is the height of the Tower of St. Christophoros, also known as the Tower of Mariano II?

Answer: 19 meters (62 feet)

Explanation: The Tower of St. Christophoros, also known as the Tower of Mariano II, stands 19 meters (62 feet) tall.

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When was St. Mary's Cathedral originally built?

Answer: 1130

Explanation: St. Mary's Cathedral was originally constructed in 1130.

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The wooden statue of the *Annunziata* inside St. Mary's Cathedral is attributed to which sculptor?

Answer: Nino Pisano

Explanation: The wooden statue of the *Annunziata* in St. Mary's Cathedral is attributed to the sculptor Nino Pisano.

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When was the Church of St. Francis of Assisi built?

Answer: Around 1200

Explanation: The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was built around the year 1200.

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The Christ of Nicodemus sculpture in the Church of St. Francis is believed to be the work of masters from which region?

Answer: Valencian

Explanation: The Christ of Nicodemus sculpture in the Church of St. Francis is believed to be the work of Valencian masters.

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What architectural style characterizes the Franciscan church of Santa Chiara, consecrated in 1428?

Answer: French-Gothic

Explanation: The Franciscan church of Santa Chiara, consecrated in 1428, is characterized by the French-Gothic architectural style.

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Which church in Oristano is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque-Rococo architecture?

Answer: Church and cloister of the Carmine

Explanation: The Church and cloister of the Carmine are considered one of the finest examples of Baroque-Rococo architecture in Oristano.

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What is unique about the location of the Church of Saint Sebastian?

Answer: It is the only medieval extramural church.

Explanation: The Church of Saint Sebastian is unique for being the only medieval extramural church, located outside the original city walls.

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Who initiated the construction of the Church of Saint Dominic in 1634?

Answer: Friar Pietro Flores

Explanation: The construction of the Church of Saint Dominic in 1634 was initiated by Friar Pietro Flores, with financial support from Baldassarre Dedoni.

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What is the current function of the Church of Saint Dominic?

Answer: It is an Auditorium for congresses and concerts.

Explanation: After being deconsecrated, the Church of Saint Dominic now serves as an Auditorium for congresses and concerts.

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The Oratory of the Souls in Massama exhibits influences from which artistic style?

Answer: Visigothic art of the 8th century

Explanation: The Oratory of the Souls in Massama displays influences from the Visigothic art of the 8th century.

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What historical document is Eleanor of Arborea depicted holding in a statue in Oristano?

Answer: The Carta de Logu

Explanation: A statue in Oristano depicts Eleanor of Arborea holding the *Carta de Logu*, a historical legal code.

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The Sa Sartiglia Equestrian Festival

*Sa Sartiglia* is an equestrian tournament held in Oristano for over 500 years on Carnival Sunday and Mardi Gras.

Answer: True

Explanation: *Sa Sartiglia* is an equestrian tournament with a history spanning over 500 years, traditionally held in Oristano on Carnival Sunday and Mardi Gras.

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The *Sa Sartiglia* tournament on Carnival Sunday is organized by the corporation of carpenters.

Answer: False

Explanation: The *Sa Sartiglia* tournament on Carnival Sunday is organized by the corporation (*gremio*) of farmers, while the carpenters organize the Mardi Gras event.

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A 14th-century letter by St. Catherine of Siena mentioned the Judge of Arborea could provide horsemen for a crusade, indicating the importance of horse-breeding.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 14th-century letter from St. Catherine of Siena, referencing the Judge of Arborea's ability to provide horsemen for a crusade, highlights the historical importance of horse-breeding in the Oristano region.

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The name 'Sartiglia' derives from 'Sortija', which means 'fate and fortune' but also 'ring', referring to the tournament's target.

Answer: True

Explanation: The name 'Sartiglia' originates from 'Sortija', which itself comes from the Latin 'Sorticola', meaning both 'fate and fortune' and 'ring', the latter referring to the tournament's target.

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The central object of *Sa Sartiglia* is a wooden target with a bullseye.

Answer: False

Explanation: The central object of *Sa Sartiglia* is a tin star with a hole at its center, not a wooden target with a bullseye.

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The number of stars caught in *Sa Sartiglia* symbolizes the wealth of the harvest and carpentry work for the corporations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The number of stars successfully caught during *Sa Sartiglia* is believed to symbolize the prosperity that the harvest and carpentry work will bring to the respective corporations.

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*La Pariglia* is an equestrian event where masked horsemen perform acrobatics on galloping steeds, taking place before *Sa Sartiglia*.

Answer: False

Explanation: *La Pariglia* is an equestrian event where masked horsemen perform acrobatics on galloping steeds, but it takes place *after* *Sa Sartiglia*.

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*Su Componidori* is the leader of *Sa Sartiglia* and *La Pariglia*, chosen by the Corporations, and their name is revealed at Candlemas.

Answer: True

Explanation: *Su Componidori*, meaning 'the one who marshals', is the chosen leader of both *Sa Sartiglia* and *La Pariglia*, with their name announced at Candlemas.

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During the tournament, *Su Componidori* is considered an androgynous figure, likened to the land itself.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the *Sa Sartiglia* tournament, *Su Componidori* is symbolically regarded as an androgynous figure, representing the land itself.

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At the end of *Sa Sartiglia*, *Su Componidori* blesses the town with 'Sa Pippia 'e maiu', a ritual believed to be newer than the tournament.

Answer: False

Explanation: At the conclusion of *Sa Sartiglia*, *Su Componidori* blesses the town with 'Sa Pippia 'e maiu', a ritual that is believed to pre-date the tournament itself.

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On which days is the equestrian tournament *Sa Sartiglia* traditionally held?

Answer: Carnival Sunday and Mardi Gras

Explanation: *Sa Sartiglia* is traditionally held in Oristano on Carnival Sunday and Mardi Gras.

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Which corporation organizes *Sa Sartiglia* on Mardi Gras?

Answer: The corporation of carpenters

Explanation: The *Sa Sartiglia* tournament on Mardi Gras is organized by the corporation (*gremio*) of carpenters.

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What historical evidence from the 14th century suggests the importance of horses in Oristano?

Answer: A letter from St. Catherine of Siena mentioning horsemen for a crusade.

Explanation: A 14th-century letter from St. Catherine of Siena, which mentioned the Judge of Arborea's ability to provide horsemen for a crusade, serves as historical evidence for the importance of horses in Oristano.

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From which Latin word does 'Sartiglia' ultimately derive, referring to the target of the tournament?

Answer: Sorticola

Explanation: The name 'Sartiglia' ultimately derives from the Latin word 'Sorticola', which refers to the tournament's target.

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What is the central object that horsemen aim for during *Sa Sartiglia*?

Answer: A tin star with a hole at its center

Explanation: During *Sa Sartiglia*, horsemen aim their swords at a tin star with a hole at its center, which is suspended across the street.

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What does the number of stars successfully caught in *Sa Sartiglia* symbolize?

Answer: The wealth that the harvest and carpentry work will bring.

Explanation: The number of stars successfully caught in *Sa Sartiglia* symbolizes the prosperity that the harvest and carpentry work will bring to the participating corporations.

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What is *La Pariglia*?

Answer: An equestrian event featuring acrobatics on galloping steeds.

Explanation: *La Pariglia* is an equestrian event where masked horsemen and women perform acrobatics on galloping steeds within the old city walls.

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Who is *Su Componidori* in the *Sa Sartiglia* tournament?

Answer: The leader of both *Sa Sartiglia* and *La Pariglia*.

Explanation: *Su Componidori* is the designated leader of both the *Sa Sartiglia* and *La Pariglia* equestrian events.

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When is the name of *Su Componidori* revealed?

Answer: At Candlemas

Explanation: The name of *Su Componidori* is traditionally revealed at Candlemas by *Su Majorale*.

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What unique characteristic is attributed to *Su Componidori* during the tournament?

Answer: They are considered neither a man nor a woman, but an androgynous figure.

Explanation: During the tournament, *Su Componidori* is uniquely regarded as an androgynous figure, symbolizing the land itself.

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What is 'Sa Pippia 'e maiu' used for by *Su Componidori* at the end of the tournament?

Answer: To bless the bystanders and the town.

Explanation: At the conclusion of the tournament, *Su Componidori* uses 'Sa Pippia 'e maiu' to bless the bystanders and the town.

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Infrastructure and Accessibility

Oristano can be reached by train from Sardinia's major cities like Cagliari and Sassari.

Answer: True

Explanation: Oristano is accessible by train from major Sardinian cities including Cagliari, Sassari, Olbia, and Porto Torres.

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Fenosu Airport, serving Oristano, is currently fully operational for commercial flights.

Answer: False

Explanation: Fenosu Airport, which serves Oristano, is currently no longer operating for commercial flights.

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Which of the following cities is NOT listed as a train connection to Oristano?

Answer: Alghero

Explanation: Oristano has train connections to Olbia, Porto Torres, Cagliari, and Sassari, but Alghero is not listed.

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What is the status of Fenosu Airport, which serves Oristano?

Answer: It is no longer operating.

Explanation: Fenosu Airport, which serves Oristano, is currently no longer operating.

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