Le Concerie — The Temo River Tanneries
Strung along the northern bank of the Temo River, Bosa's 19th-century tanneries are one of the most atmospheric and overlooked stops on the entire island. These crumbling ochre buildings — their stone vats still stained from decades of dyeing hides — tell a story of hard, skilled labour that shaped this town.
From Hides to History
The tanneries, known locally as Le Concerie, were the economic engine of Bosa for generations. Animal hides were soaked, scraped, and dyed in large stone tanks fed by the river, producing leather that was traded across Sardinia and beyond. The craft was eventually abandoned in the 20th century, but the buildings have been preserved as a rare example of proto-industrial archaeology.
The Museo delle Conce occupies one of the best-preserved tannery buildings, dating to the 1700s. Inside, original tools, vats, and explanatory displays bring the process to life in a way that feels genuinely gritty and hands-on — nothing like your average heritage museum.
The Riverfront Walk
The tanneries sit along a stretch of the Temo that is perfect for a slow evening walk. The river reflects the coloured facades of Sa Costa on the opposite bank, fishing boats bob at their moorings, and the air carries the faint scent of wild herbs from the hills above. It's one of the most quietly beautiful spots in Bosa.
From here you can also appreciate the Ponte Vecchio, Bosa's old bridge, which frames the castle hill beautifully. Snap that shot in the late afternoon when the warm light catches the pastel houses and the water turns gold.
Le Concerie — The Temo River Tanneries on video
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