Many scholars consider it a kind of 'Stonehenge', thanks to the presence of ancient monuments and megalithic sites, which still fascinate archaeologists, historians and mystery enthusiasts. These sites are not only evidence of the past, but represent an intriguing glimpse into a thousand-year-old civilisation that inhabited the island, leaving behind a network of enigmatic and ceremonial structures.
Castles
The most iconic symbol of Sardinia is undoubtedly the 'Nuraghe', a circular stone tower that rises imposingly in the island's landscape. There are an estimated 7,000 nuraghi scattered across Sardinia, dating from 1800 BC to 500 BC, during the Bronze and Iron Ages.
Among the most significant
Su Nuraxi of Barumini
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is probably the most famous Nuragic site. It is located in the municipality of Barumini. This impressive complex offers an extraordinary insight into life in prehistoric Sardinia. It consists of a central tower surrounded by walls and smaller towers, and is one of the best preserved examples of Nuragic architecture.
Nuraghe Santu Antine
Located in the Logudoro region, it is another impressive example. With its three storeys, it is one of the tallest and most majestic Nuragic structures.
The Nuraghi have long been the subject of debate among archaeologists. It is thought that they were used as fortresses, places of worship or dwellings for the elite of the Nuragic civilisation. However, their original purpose still remains partly a mystery.
The Tombs of the Giants
Funerary Monuments of Mystical Proportions
Another characteristic feature of Sardinia are the 'Tombs of the Giants', imposing collective tombs dating back to the Nuragic period. These constructions take their name from their enormous size and majestic appearance that evoke an aura of mystery.
Tomb of the Giants of Coddu Vecchiu
located near Arzachena, is one of the most fascinating examples. Its central stele, some four metres high, dominates the monument, creating an imposing megalithic façade.
Tomb of the Giants of Li Lolghi
In Arzachena, it is remarkable for the great precision with which the stone blocks forming the structure have been carved.
These monuments were used for collective burials, and are also thought to have had a ritual value, linked to religious beliefs and the cult of the dead.
Sacred Wells
Worship and Engineering Testimonies
Among the most fascinating and least known sites to the general public are the 'Sacred Wells', structures used for rituals related to water, a fundamental resource in Sardinia. These wells are a perfect example of the engineering and precision with which the island's ancient inhabitants worked stone.
Sacred Well of St. Christine
Near Paulilatino, it is one of the most evocative. This sacred site is an architectural marvel, with a staircase descending to a perfectly symmetrical underground chamber where water was once collected.
Sacred Well of Predio Canopoli
Located in the municipality of Perfugas, it is another remarkable example. Although less well known than that of Santa Cristina, it has retained much of its original structure.
Sacred wells were closely linked to the cult of water, and are believed to have had a ceremonial function, perhaps linked to purification rites or religious celebrations.
Megalithic Monuments
Just like the famous stones of Stonehenge, Sardinia is home to numerous 'menhirs' (large vertical stones) and 'dolmens' (structures formed by horizontal slabs of stone resting on vertical stones). These monuments date back to pre-Nuragic times, but were also venerated and used by later civilisations.
Pranu Muttedu Complex
Near Goni, it is one of the most impressive megalithic sites on the island. With its rows of menhirs and dolmen tombs, it is believed to have been a sacred site, used for religious ceremonies.
Dolmen of Sa Coveccada
Near Mores, it is one of the largest dolmens in Europe and offers an extraordinary glimpse into a civilisation that lived in close connection with the natural world.
Monte d'Accoddi
Among the most enigmatic sites in Sardinia is Monte d'Accoddi, near Sassari, a unique structure in the Mediterranean. This stepped altar, reminiscent of Mesopotamian ziggurats, was probably used for religious purposes.
The building dates back to around 4000 BC and consists of a raised platform accessed via a monumental ramp. Its exact function remains uncertain, but it is assumed to have been a place of worship dedicated to celestial deities or an astronomical observation centre.
Crossroads of Ancient Civilisations
Sardinia is much more than a tourist destination: it is an island that holds in its heart the secrets of a thousand-year-old civilisation. Nuraghi, tombs of the giants, sacred wells, menhirs and the mysterious Monte d'Accoddi are just some of the testimonies of an enigmatic past that has resisted the passage of millennia. Like Stonehenge, these monuments offer a glimpse into vanished cultures, opening the door to new questions and research into who the builders of these wonders really were and what their beliefs were.
A trip to Sardinia is not only an experience of relaxation and natural beauty, but also a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in one of the Mediterranean's most ancient and fascinating mysteries.
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