Complesso nuragico di Romanzesu

About the museum

The Romanzesu village-sanctuary lies at Poddi Arvu, on a plateau at about 750 metres above sea level, in a cork oak wood near the source of the Tirso river, about 13 km from Bitti. It covers about seven hectares and includes around one hundred granite huts and several cult buildings. The name derives from a Roman settlement of the 2nd–3rd centuries AD; the site was identified in 1919 by the archaeologist Antonio Taramelli.

Seven excavation campaigns, from the late 1980s to 2001, have uncovered only part of the archaeological area. The Nuragic settlement arose in the 14th–13th centuries BC, was transformed into a village-sanctuary in the 13th–12th centuries BC and was abandoned at the beginning of the 7th century BC. Its monumental heart is the well temple, from whose fissures spring water gushes; it is linked by a long stepped corridor to a ceremonial basin for the ablutions of the water cult, and around it are arranged the six tiers of an amphitheatre for collective rites.

Among the other buildings are two megaron temples, one rectangular, a heroon with amber finds, an elliptical enclosure with concentric spiral walls known as the labyrinth, and circular huts with paved floors, seats around the hearth and, in some cases, several rooms around a courtyard. The complex is run by the Società Cooperativa Istelai, which also manages the museums of Bitti.

Highlights

• Well temple with ceremonial basin and stepped amphitheatre
• Village of about one hundred huts on seven hectares
• Megaron temples, heroon with amber and labyrinth enclosure
• Capanna delle Riunioni (assembly hut)
• Guided tours, paper guide or app with audio guide

Permanent exhibition

• Villaggio-santuario nuragico di Romanzesu – Route through the archaeological area with the well temple, the ceremonial basin, the amphitheatre, the megaron temples, the labyrinth and the village huts.

Operated by

Società Cooperativa Istelai

Visitors per year

approx. 10,755

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The route within the archaeological area is often uneven; sturdy footwear is recommended, and climbing on the walls or crossing the protective barriers is prohibited.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The archaeological area is at Romanzesu, in the territory of Bitti, about 13 km from the town.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit