Top sights in Sardinia: Nuraghi

If you are going to make a list of top sights in Sardinia don't forget to include nuraghi, the most incredible evidences of a far civilization whose function is still partially shrouded in mystery.

We know that the Nuragic civilization developed during the Bronze Age (1800 B.C.) until the II century B.C. and that the nuraghi were the center of social life.

According to some archaeologists the nuraghi were religious temples, according to other experts these buildings were military strongholds or ordinary dwellings, in any case a symbol of the island, because are spread throughout the Sardinian territory (there are about 7000 nuraghi still existing in Sardinia).

The itinerary that we suggest includes two stages easily reached from San Teodoro, just spend one day or two joining an excursion to learn more about the history of the nuraghi, imposing and suggestive buildings.
 

Nuraghe Losa in Abbasanta

The archaeological site of Nuraghe Losa is located near Abbasanta, in the province of Oristano, and is one of the best preserved monuments in the island. It is open to the public by reservation and there are also a series of educational workshops for children and teenagers, a great initiative to tell the history of Sardinia to children, as well as the guided tour of the nuraghe, these activities include the making of artifacts in clay, a simulation of an archaeological dig and many more, a funny way to learn something useful.


 

The Nuraghe Losa is open all year around from 9:00 am until one hour before sunset, visit the website for information and reservations www.nuraghelosa.net.

The nuragic sanctuary of Santa Cristina

In the surroundings of Abbasanta, more specifically in the town of Paulilatino, rises one of the most charming sacred areas of the island, the nuragic sanctuary of Santa Cristina, which owes its name to the Christian church of Santa Cristina, and can be reached driving along the SS 131 Sassari-Cagliari.

The archaeological site is composed by two parts: the sacred well with the meeting huts, a one-tower nuraghe and the remains of a nuragic village. The well is a further demonstration of the high level of architectural expertise, since the entire structure was built with accurate techniques.

The tub carved into the rock is a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering. The most interesting aspect, however, is that here probably took place the functions related to the worship of water, which is considered not only the source and origin of human life but also a deity.

The sanctuary of Santa Cristina was also a sort of astronomical observatory: there is a particular time during the year when the moon is reflected in the bottom of the well, a really evoking effect! You can follow a guided tour to learn more about one of the most important archaeological sites of Sardinia.

The centuries-old history of the island helps to make it even more exclusive this destination, are you ready to see up close the nuraghi?