The palaces of Sardinian prehistory

The itinerary “The palaces of Sardinian prehistory” crosses a vast area in the heart of central-southern Sardinia, between the historical areas of Sarcidano and Marmilla. Here there are some of the most important and impressive testimonies of the Nuragic civilization, dating back to approximately 3500 years ago and recognized as true masterpieces of megalithic antiquity. These are fortresses from around 3500 years ago, true architectural masterpieces. The itinerary through the ‘palaces’ of the Bronze Age starts from Sarcidano with the imposing nuraghe Arrubiu of Orroli, which overlooks lake Flumendosa, and arrives in Marmilla, where you can admire one of the greatest monuments of Sardinian prehistory, su Nuraxi of Barumini and another important and massive testimony, the nuraghe Genna Maria of Villanovaforru. The route has a duration of 54 km.

Nuraghe Arrubiu – Orroli

The first of the monuments along the route is the imposing Nuraghe Arrubiu, whose name derives from the reddish color of the lichens that cover the basaltic stone. It is one of the rare examples of a five-lobed nuraghe: the central tower is surrounded by a bastion with five towers, while outside there is a defensive curtain with another seven towers.

Inside the complex there are three courtyards and remains of the ancient village are preserved, with evidence of several huts. About 800 meters from the site there is also a giants’ tomb, a typical Nuragic collective burial.

Su Nuraxi – Barumini

The next stop is Su Nuraxi di Barumini, the most famous archaeological site in Sardinia and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

This monumental complex includes a nuraghe with a central tower and a four-lobed bastion and a fortified village. The structures are connected by a system of stairs and passages and in the center of the courtyard there is a spring well over 20 meters deep which guaranteed water to the entire settlement.

Nuraghe Genna Maria – Villanovaforru

The third site of the itinerary is the Nuraghe Genna Maria, located on a panoramic hill in the Marmilla. This monument also dates back to the Bronze Age and is characterized by a main tower surrounded by a three-lobed bastion and a hexagonal barricade.

The Nuragic village develops both inside and outside the defensive walls, revealing the strategic and social importance of the structure.

This itinerary is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the ancient history of Sardinia and discover some of the most impressive fortifications left by the Nuragic civilisation. These sites are not just monuments: they tell the story of the social organisation, megalithic engineering and life of the Bronze Age communities that inhabited the island.

Source: sardegnaturismo.it