Archaeological sites Italy

The "Surgeon's House" is an archaeological site dating back to the 1st century BC. From the 3rd century, this Roman domus was occupied by a doctor called Eutyches. The house was then burnt down during a barbarian invasion, with the result that its mosaics, frescoes and the material it contained have come down to us. Exceptional remains of the surgery remain, such as the hospital bed, the office table and above all an incredible collection of 150 surgical instruments, kept in the Museo della Città.

The Nuragic Complex of Malchittu promotes the archaeological remains of the region by dedicating an educational area to them: the tomb of the giants Coddu Ecchju and Li Lolghi, the nuraghe La Prisgiona, Albucciu and Tempietto di Malchittu and many others. There are seven in total, but only some of them are unmissable and the Petit Futé has listed them for you. You can buy a pass here, the price of which varies according to the number of sites chosen. You should know that it takes half a day to visit two of them. The most important sites are the nuraghe La Prisgiona, the tomb of the giants of Li Lolghi and that of Coddu Vecchiu.

The complex of Malchittu includes a nuraghe, a large hut, tombs and a temple dating from the Middle Bronze Age. The hut has a circular plan with a large diameter and projecting stone walls. The remains of the nuraghe, set against a rocky outcrop, can be seen by walking up the hill along a narrow gorge. On the right is the temple. The nuraghe is completely collapsed. On the other hand, the temple is clearly identifiable with its rectangular structure. The entrance is through a vestibule that runs along the rock and leads to a large room. Offerings were placed on the table at the back. Niches were built into the walls and a hearth was drawn into the floor with stones arranged in a circle. Six tombs have been discovered in the vicinity, but they are hidden by vegetation.

This archaeological complex is located 13 km from Nuoro going towards Bitti and Orune. It is possible to admire several megalithic circles beyond which begins a vast nuragic settlement of which a polylobed nuraghe, which is preserved on a height of more than 10 meters. To note the presence of a well, or covered sacred spring, and its beautiful dome. The first excavations date back to the 1950s, but they have been intensified since the 2000s. The site has not delivered all its secrets.

The area is rugged, characterized by imposing granite outcrops, shaped by time in a bizarre way and enveloped by shrubs. The tomb and the arch can be reached in 20 minutes by walking along a path that climbs through the scrub. The monument presents the classic planimetric scheme of the tombs of giants: body of the tomb in the shape of apse, covered corridor and exedra in arch. Contrary to other nuragic sites, Barrancu Mannu has the advantage to be isolated and little frequented, what accentuates even more its charm. A beautiful discovery!

This Nuraghic complex, located in a forest of holm oaks and chestnut trees, houses an unusual concentration of religious, civil and military structures. The site, in its currently open part, is composed of two tombs of giants and a village that includes the remains of a Nuraghic complex and some huts. This area also preserves the remains of 3 sacred wells and a dwelling area of about 200 huts that has not yet been excavated. Fascinating!

The archaeological area of S'Arcu 'e is Forros is located on a hill at the foot of the Gennargentu in a wild environment (if we disregard the highway below). It is a set of cult buildings, including at least three temples located in a large village that has been only partially explored. These big temples called "megaron" are characterized by a rectangular plan, unusual in the Nuraghic architecture. The site of S'Arcu 'e is Forros proves to be, to this day, the most important metallurgical center of the Nuraghic Sardinia.

To the south of the temple of Cybele are the remains of a primitive village dating back to the Iron Age (9th century BC). It would correspond, according to tradition, to the village founded by Romulus. So this is where the first Romans lived. The remains of the three huts that were discovered here are among the oldest remains of Rome. To preserve them, they are not always open to visitors. However, we have the opportunity to see the remains of it in summer, the time of exceptional openings.