Municipality of Macomer

Macomer is the center of Marghine, which is the historical and geographical region of Midwest Sardinia. Its central location within the island area has historically made Macomer the crossroads of communication between the North and South of Sardinia, so representing a strategic hub for communications in the entire region. Macomer is also the major connection point for the regional rail network. It is located in a predominantly rural area, The Marghine, which is strongly characterized by food and animal farming as well as craft and manufacturing industries. It also has an important industrial area which has a concentration of about 60% of local SMEs active in food production, craftsmanship, manufacturing, business services, transport, logistics, energy and mechanical industries.
During the last century, Macomer has been the cornerstone for a consistent industrial development, particularly in the dairy and textile sector which has been the determining factor for the social and economic development of the town and surrounding area. Along with the industrial sector a tertiary sector has also developed.
In the mid 90’s, Macomer was the propelling economic center for Marghine, attracting daily thousands of commuters including workers, teachers and students. Today the textile industry has collapsed and the dairy sector is clearly in difficulty, even if this is the main industry in the area.
In the rural area of Marghine, Macomer is the most clearly populated area. After the number of residents increased to over 11,000 in 1981, Macomer then saw a dramatic fall in its population. Today there are a little over 10,000 inhabitants. The cause for this depopulation is varied: reduced birth rates; disproportionate number of ageing residents; industrial crisis and a lack of job opportunities.

The territory of Macomer has a rich archeological heritage. There are many Nuraghi (ancient stone structures) spread throughout the area. One site, in particular, is the archeological site of Tumuli which is managed by a cooperative of local young people. This cooperative organizes guided visits of Tamuli as well as ecological excursions of Marghine and its boarding territories: Planargia and Montiferru. The town of Macomer between its beds, hotels and guest houses, can accommodate up to 150 visitors.
In Macomer there are more than twenty associations. These include cultural, voluntary and recreational groups for all ages. Sport provides a means of socialization and education for the youth. There is a wide variety of sports groups in Macomer such as football clubs, a volleyball club, a basketball club, two athletic clubs, a tennis club, two judo clubs and a cycling team. The public swimming pool is also very popular. It is located in the sports complex of Sertinu, which includes a sports hall, a skate park and football fields.

During the Spring in Macomer these events take place:
- the Fair of Central Sardinia which is an exhibition position of handcrafter and commercial produce and services. It is the most important event in this industry on the island after the International Fair of Cagliari;
- the Regional Book Fair which is the most important cultural literary event of Sardinia;
- the Provincial, Regional and National Cattle Market including sheep, goat and cattle enrolled in the Pedigree Register. Rich in pastures and livestock as well as resources of a high standard, Macomer can count about 32,000 sheep and over 3,000 milking cows. For this reason Macomer is also known as “the cheese capital''. Today the city is home to the Consortium for the Protection of Sardinian Pecorino Romano cheese which is the most exported Sardinian cheese in the world (to the U.S. and Canada in particular). The numerous companies that are active in the industrial area produce millions of liters of milk a year.
- the Country Fair (1-13 June) in honour of Sant’Antonio da Padova which is a country festival that celebrates in a very striking way local faith and folklore.
There is an active ethnographic museum and by the end of the year there are hopes of a new Archeological museum for the area of Marghine. This will be located in the historic center. For the present and future development of the town an important role will certainly be given to the Barracks “Bechi Luserna” which today is home to the 5TH Regiment Genio Guastatori from the “Brigata Sassari”. Today, the Barracks have the leading role in the pilot project “Open and Integrated Barracks within the community”. There are a series of initiatives which hope to realize various recreational structures and open spaces for public and military use. These initiatives will also include an indoor swimming pool, a multimedia Center for the university for teaching at a distance, as well as a multipurpose Center for free time activities and events.