The variety and the quantity of archaeological sites found in Sardinia can easily define this island as an archaeological mecca.

Findings, which range from the prehistoric era up to later historical periods, manifest both local distinguished artefacts and structures as well as evidence of colonial influences. Certainly, these areas assist in the interpretation and reconstruction of Sardinia’s inhabitants and their culture throughout the ages.

The cavern of Ispinigoli

This cavern is located in Dorgali in the province of Nuoro. Its formation initiated underwater but it continued to develop further on, once environ-mental changes transformed its nature into an underground cavern.

Sheperds had long known of its existence and they often used it to shelter their flocks during storms. In 1954, the group Grotte di Nuoro started to explore this site systematically and later on, the cavern attracted also the interest of speleologists.

Unfortunately, one of the latter, Eraldo Saracco from Piemonte, lost his life in this site when he fell into a huge well. Eventually, experts recognised that this cavern was connected to two deeper underground caves and that in all, they were spread over an area of 15 kilometres. However, it was only in 1995 that finally all this underground complex was duly identified.

The cavern of Ispinigoli was officially opened to the public in 1974 and from thereon, more than 40,000 people visit it annually. Its impressive characteristics lie mainly in its geological formations, particularly in the presence of a central column of around 38 metres in height, which joins the vault to the base of the cave.

One should not be afraid of heights in order to go down the 90 steps which lead into this dark abyss which is 40 metres deep. Moreover, warm clothing is recommended as the temperature of this cavern is generally between 16 and 17 degrees, due to the regular currents of air which flow through the multi-level entrances of the three adjoining caves.

During the exploration of this site the remains of an otter, which dates to the Glacial Period, have been found. Yet this cavern is more renowned for the discovery of scattered ancient human bones that were found on its floor, together with several jewellery which included glass pearls, bronze and silver rings, and bracelets.

This revelation led to the legend of the Virgins’ Abyss since it was believed that in ancient times, young girls were being led into this dark earth’s womb in order to be sacrificed.

On the other hand, some scholars suggest that this cavern might have been used as a burial site, and yet it is difficult to explain why one should go to such extremes in order to bury the dead. Indeed, if one would like to see some of the artefacts that were found in this cavern, it is advisable to visit also the small archaeological museum of Dorgali.

Tharros

The ancient city of Tharros is located in Cabras, on the coast of the Sinis peninsula, in the province of Oristano. According to archaeologists, this city was founded by the Phoenicians around the 8th century BC.

During this period, Tharros was very popular with traders, especially since it was one of the largest producers of fine golden jewellery, for which the Phoenician craftsmen were greatly admired.

Certainly this site is a typical city-port, which the Phoenicians tended to look out for in order to establish themselves, both for the sites’ practicality to effect efficient negotiations with traders, and also to avoid conflict with the locals who often inhabited inland zones.

One should remember that during this period, it was considered too risky to live nearby the coast due to the continuous attacks of foreign powers. In fact, Tharros was later colonised by the Carthaginians and the Romans, until, finally, it was destroyed during a Saracen invasion.

Even though today Tharros lies in ruins, one can still glimpse signs of its ancient urban elegance. The place is definitely worth a visit, ideally accompanied by a guide, in order to relish the full potential of this archaeological site.

Su Nuraxi

A visit to this site located in Barumini, in the province of Medio Campidano, is definitely a must for archaeology enthusiasts. Here one can admire the unique and peculiar buildings called Nuraghe, first appearing during the Bronze Age, and today acting as a symbol of this island.

Su Nuraxi was excavated by archaeologist Giovanni Lilliu during the 1940s and 1950s, wherein eventually a huge architectural complex was uncovered. Findings indicate that this site had been abandoned and deserted for a long time, until the village was repopulated during the Phoenician, Punic and Roman dominations, although there is also some evidence of its use during the Medieval Age.

A guided tour through some of the ancient structures that were constructed from large basalt rocks will reveal the beauty of this place, which, in 1997, was included in the Unesco World Heritage List.

An interesting point mentioned by this guide was that although the Nuraghi people were renowned traders and sailors, it seems that they were never colonisers and hence this local Nuraghic architecture does not appear anywhere else apart from Sardinia. There are about 7,000 Nuraghe on this island, 30 of which are situated in Barumini.

Tomba dei Giganti in Coddu Vecchju Li Lolghi

In Sardinia, one is spoilt for choice with regards to these types of tombs since there are more than 5,000 of them spread around the island. A typical example is the tomb located in Arzachena in the province of Olbia-Tempio.

Its distinguished architecture clearly reveals that this site belongs to the Nuraghic period. In fact, such tombs are identified by their enormous façade which is constructed out of imposing megalithic stones, wherein the largest one which stands in the middle, can often reach the height of three metres and weigh in tonnes.

The layout of these tombs will generally include a corridor that can be observed from the small aperture at the base of the central block, which passage leads to a common burial zone.

The archaeological museum of Cagliari

It is definitely highly recommended to dedicate a visit to this museum which is located in Sardinia’s capital city. Indeed, the multitude of significant collections which cover various archaeological zones and periods, will provide the visitor with an overview of Sardinia’s presence in the ancient world, and will, therefore, lead to a better understanding of the ancient people of this country.