Nuraghe Su Nuraxi
map of Su Nuraxi and surroundings
The Nuraghe Su Nuraxi is the largest and best-preserved Nuraghe complex in all of Sardinia.
The original structure was built around 4000 years ago, later expanded several times, and developed into a massive fortress.
The inhabitants were able to resist attackers for a long time; it was not until around 600 BC that the Carthaginians succeeded in conquering it.
The settlement remained inhabited until the 14th century.
Afterward, it slowly became covered with a layer of earth, which was partially uncovered in 1949 after heavy rain.
From 1951 to 1956, Su Nuraxi was excavated under the direction of archaeologist Giovanni Lilliu.
Since 1997, the complex has been protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site – the only structure in Sardinia to have this designation.
The area cannot be visited individually. There are very informative guided tours, also offered in English.
Like most Nuraghi, Su Nuraxi appears rather unremarkable at first glance. Upon approaching the parking lot, the fortress looks more like a large pile of stones.
However, when visiting the interior, the dimensions and the builders’ achievements become apparent.
At the center stands the oldest part, the central tower, which still measures 15 meters today and was probably originally 18-19 meters high.
Surrounding the tower is a courtyard enclosed by four additional towers and a high wall.
In this courtyard, there is also a 20-meter deep well, which was vital during sieges.
All four corner towers are accessible.
Originally, they had two stories, which can still be recognized by the rows of loopholes one above the other.
In the northern tower, there is a large pit in the floor, which was probably used for storing supplies.
Stairs lead to the top platform of the main tower. From there, you have an excellent view of the fortress and the village in front of it.
About 150 round huts’ wall remains are preserved from this settlement.
The first huts were initially outside the wall ring.
After the Carthaginians’ conquest, the wall was demolished, and the huts were built up to the old fortress, causing Su Nuraxi to lose its military significance.
Numerous household items and facilities have been found in the ruins of the Nuraghe village.
In some huts, the old hearths, ovens, bread troughs, and other items are still preserved.
The construction of the huts changed over time. While older buildings were made with large basalt blocks, smaller stones connected with mortar were used later.
The photo shows the interior of a round hut with a bench arranged around a large basin.
The entrance was elaborately designed with a round arch.
According to the tour guide, it was likely a communal room, possibly used as a sauna.
The narrow streets between the huts are partly paved, and drainage channels were also installed.
At the edge of the site, there are two of these strange “fences.” These are so-called cantilever stones found during the excavations.
Like all other Nuraghi, Su Nuraxi was built without mortar and held together solely by the weight of the stones used. The towers were constructed to taper upwards for stability.
To create as large a platform as possible at the top (probably made of wood), cantilever stones were built into the upper stone row. These protruded outward and supported the edge of the overhanging platform as a console. This made the wall area easier to defend.
After the Nuraghe was uncovered, the original construction was no longer complete. Therefore, this feature was reconstructed at the edge of the site.
Such cantilever stones can also be found on other Nuraghi. Often, however, they are only used as decorative elements without any architectural function.