nuraghi

Nuraghi are ancient megalithic towers built during the Nuragic civilization on the island of Sardinia, Italy. The singular term nuraghe and the plural nuraghi come from the Sardinian language, referring to fortified towers or strongholds. Most nuraghi were constructed during the Bronze Age, roughly between 1800 and 1100 BCE, though activity continued into later periods. Today, thousands of nuraghi survive across Sardinia, making it one of the island’s defining archaeological features.

Architecturally, nuraghi are dry-stone structures built without mortar. They range from simple, single-tower constructions to complex ensembles of two or more towers connected by walls, forming fortress-like complexes. The towers are typically circular or polygonal in plan and employ corbelled vaults. Interior spaces vary; some include a central chamber, and access is usually via a doorway at ground level with stairs or ramps leading to upper levels in taller examples.

The exact function of nuraghi varied by site and period. Common interpretations portray them as defensive towers and seats of local elites, but they also may have served as ritual centers, communal gathering places, or symbolic markers of power. Complex nuraghi sometimes functioned as small fortified villages or refuges during conflicts.

Notable examples include Su Nuraxi di Barumini, widely regarded as the best-preserved example, as well as Nuraghe Losa near Abbasanta, Nuraghe Arrubiu near Orroli, Palmavera near Alghero, and Santu Antine near Torralba. The landscape of Sardinia contains thousands of such structures, reflecting the scale and regional diversity of the Nuragic culture.

Today nuraghi are a major focus of Sardinian archaeology and cultural heritage. They attract researchers and visitors alike and are protected by national and regional authorities. Ongoing excavations and conservation efforts continue to illuminate the social, economic, and ceremonial life of the Nuragic people.