Sardinia, 5 archaeological sites not to be missed on the island, from Su Nuraxi to Tharros, from the well of Santa Cristina in Pranu Muttedu, to the Petrified Forest of Martis. All tips in the post.
Think the Sardinia is it just beautiful beaches, crystal clear sea, sun and nightlife? You are in the right place to change your mind. Yes, because this region not only offers this, but it is a land rich in history and culture. It has seen numerous civilizations pass over it, from the Nuragic one, to the Phoenician one to the Roman one, from the Carthaginian to the Aragonese one and many others. For this reason, even today, it is possible to discover Sardinia through the historical sites and artifacts that testify the rich past of the island. Come and discover these places not to be missed with me.
1. Su Nuraxi
How not to start with nuraghi, symbol of the island and still wrapped in an aura of mystery. The best known are the Nuragic village Su Nuraxi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the locality of Barumini and the nuraghe Losa, near Abbasanta. Originating from the Bronze Age, their purpose is still debated today, in fact scholars still do not have certainty if they were built for military, religious, or astronomical uses and this only increases their charm. There are about 7.000 scattered across the island and it is assumed there were more than 10.000 at one time. Unique in their kind and of various and different types of construction, they are one of the Sardinian wonders not to be missed!
2. Tharros
But one of the places I like the most is the archaeological site of Tharros. Located in the province of Oristano, this Phoenician city is one of the most visited places on the island. It is a real open-air museum, where you can walk among the ruins and spot some of them in the clear sea waters. A fascinating place, witness of the many dominations suffered as numerous Roman, Carthaginian, Punic, Byzantine and Saracen artifacts have been found. A fascinating place, where you can truly breathe history and be amazed by the knowledge and construction mastery of past civilizations.
3. Sacred well of Santa Cristina
The sacred well of Santa Cristina it seems almost mystical given its peculiarity. Hypogeal construction from prehistoric times, it was a place specially created for the worship of water which attracted the community of the whole island. Some scholars say that at specific times during the year the Moon is reflected in the well, some theories in fact also consider it an astronomical study tool.
4. Pranu Muttedu
Sardinia has been inhabited since prehistoric times, in fact there are numerous finds and testimonies of the time, such as dolmens and menhirs, among which the area of Pranu Muttedu, the most important prehistoric burial area on the island. The park is really extensive and contains the highest number of Sardinian menhirs and megaliths. Furthermore, inside there is a necropolis a domus de janas (literally: "fairy houses", practically: prehistoric tombs carved into the rock).
5. Petrified Forest of Martis
If you are in the province of Oristano, you cannot give up a view to the petrified forest of Martis. Well 100 square km that will allow you to admire what remains of a forest of 20 million years ago, sunk following a volcanic eruption, later fossilized and come down to us.
Have you already booked your holidays in Sardinia? Well, add these places to your itinerary, absolutely not to be missed.
