Archaeological sites Sardinia

It is by a well shaded botanical discovery path that one reaches this remarkable site: a sacred well in a unique state of conservation... and water still flowing in the middle of summer when everything around is dry. The architecture is just remarkable, the triangular shape evokes the sacred feminine, the tholos (roof covering) is intact and the atmosphere that emanates from the place summons the divine. This well was dedicated to the cult of water and Su Tiempesu is one of the most refined examples of religious architecture of the Nuraghic period.

According to legend, Nora is the oldest city in Sardinia and was founded by the Phoenician hero Norax, son of Hermes and the nymph Erithya. It is more likely that this city was founded around 700 B.C. by Phoenician merchants who crossed the Mediterranean Sea to trade. They chose the peninsula of Cape Pula and its rocky promontory to lay the foundations of their city. It was in Nora that the famous stele was discovered, dating from the beginning of the 8th century B.C., which is considered to be the oldest written document in Western history. It is also on this stele that appears the word Shrdn, from which the present name of Sardinia is said to be derived. Apart from this stele, only few traces of the Phoenician occupation remain. The port city was taken by the Carthaginians at the beginning of the 6th century BC. Under their occupation, the city prospered and grew. It grew from 300 inhabitants to 3,000. The constructions are then made of dry stones.

The Romans seized the island in 238 BC and continued to develop Nora. They built an amphitheatre and a forum that can still be seen today and, around 150 AD, a spa and a market(macellum). They also built a road network and an efficient sewage system. Some of these structures still retain their mosaic decorations, one of the distinctive features of the ancient city of Nora. It is thought that towards the end of the 2nd century AD a mosaic school was opened in Nora, which would explain the flourishing of this art in the Roman city in the 3rd and 4th centuries. Its main characteristic is the almost constant use of white, ochre and black colours, whose beautiful harmonies can be found, for example, on the pavements of the frigidarium of the central baths. The Romans improved the constructions, used bricks, cut the stones and sealed them with mortar. We can't recommend too strongly that you opt for a guided tour of the archaeological site in order to get the full benefit of it. Some areas of the site only reveal their interest with the lights of a learned person.

In summer, the Roman amphitheatre in Nora is the venue for the Poets' Night festival (in Italian). From the archaeological area of Pula you can admire the nearby Torre del Coltellazzo. The Spanish tower, perched on a promontory of volcanic rock overlooking Nora beach, was built between 1580 and 1610 to defend the coast against Arab invaders.

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.