Gonnesa

Gonnesa
Comune di Gonnesa
Location of Gonnesa
Gonnesa
Location of Gonnesa in Sardinia
Gonnesa
Gonnesa (Sardinia)
Coordinates: 39°16′N 8°28′E / 39.267°N 8.467°E / 39.267; 8.467
CountryItaly
RegionSardinia
ProvinceSouth Sardinia
FrazioniNormann, Nuraxi Figus
Government
  MayorHansel Cabiddu
Area
  Total
47.5 km2 (18.3 sq mi)
Elevation
40 m (130 ft)
Population
 (30 November 2008)
  Total
5,149
  Density110/km2 (280/sq mi)
DemonymGonnesini
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
  Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
09010
Dialing code0781
Patron saintSt. Andrew
Saint day30 November
WebsiteOfficial website

Gonnesa is a comune (municipality) in the Province of South Sardinia in the Italian region Sardinia, located about 60 kilometres (37 mi) west of Cagliari and about 14 kilometres (9 mi) northwest of Carbonia, in the Iglesiente subregion.

The town was refounded in the late 18th century by the local feudatory. During the 19th century its territory was affected by the resumption of mining which contributed significantly to its population growth .

In the Municipality of Gonnesa is located the mine of Nuraxi Figus, the last active coal mine in Italy today.

In its territory there is an important archaeological site, the nuraghe Seruci, and beach of almost 4 kilometres (2 mi) along which it is possible to surf, especially in a spot called Funtanamare. The other two spots are called Plag' 'e Mesu ("Middle Beach" in Sardinian language, and Porto Paglia. Gonnesa borders the following municipalities: Carbonia, Iglesias, Portoscuso.