A thousand-year-old secret! Su Nuraxi di Barumini is a masterpiece of the Bronze Age

Italy never ceases to amaze with its rich historical heritage. Although it is known for its magnificent Roman ruins and Renaissance wonders, one of its most enigmatic places is hidden in the heart of Sardinia: Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

This complex, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997, tells the fascinating story of the ancient Nuragic civilization, unique to this island.

Su Nuraxi, Photo: Ondrej_Bucek, Depositphotos

The Su Nuraxi site dates from the Middle and Late Bronze Age (around 1600-1200 BC) and includes a central tower (nuraghe), four side towers, a thick defensive wall, and the remains of circular dwellings. The central tower, once 18.5 meters high, had three floors connected by a spiral staircase.

IT IS AN INTERESTING FACT THAT EXACTLY THIS TYPE OF BUILDING CAN ONLY BE SEEN ON THE ISLAND OF SARDINIA BECAUSE IT DEVELOPED THERE.

These megalithic structures, made using the drywall technique without binding material, are circular in shape. The interior is decorated with a corbel vault, testifying to the incredible technical skills of the builders of that time. Their durability and construction precision have allowed this complex to survive to this day.

Su Nuraxi, Photo: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0

In addition to his architectural genius, Su Nuraxi was the heart of the community. The village surrounding the tower consisted of circular huts, and the artifacts found, such as pottery and tools, reveal the rich social and economic life of the inhabitants. Although these buildings originally served as defensive fortifications, they were also a place of gathering, trade, and ritual.

What is interesting is that over the centuries the complex changed its function and appearance, the tribe of Carthage fortified it further, while the Romans adapted parts of it to their needs.

Su Nuraxi, Photo: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0

A visit to Su Nuraxi di Barumini is an opportunity to see the ancient walls and connect with the people who lived here millennia ago. Located on a hill near the town of Barumini, the complex is easily accessible by car, and expert guidance allows you to understand every aspect of this amazing building. The drive takes about an hour from Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia.

Su Nuraxi, Photo: Norbert Nagel, CC BY-SA 3.0

UNESCO has recognized the universal value of Su Nuraxi as a masterpiece of innovative architecture and evidence of the social development of ancient Sardinia. Their walls tell stories of a time when stone and human skill were the only tools for creating monumental works.

This place is not only an archaeological site but also a living witness of human ingenuity and adaptability and, if your journey takes you to Sardinia, you must visit!