Parco archeologico di Monte Sirai
Phoenician and Punic settlement on a plateau near Carbonia, with the temple of Astarte, necropolises and a tofet.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Monte Sirai is a plateau of volcanic rock in the Sulcis where, in the second half of the 8th century BC, the Phoenicians from Sulky founded a settlement that controlled the territory and the road to the Campidano. The site was already frequented in the Neolithic and preserves some Nuragic towers; the Phoenician and then Carthaginian presence left the strongest mark and lasted until about 100 BC.
The upper settlement, about one hectare in area, was replanned in the first half of the 3rd century BC into four parallel quarters separated by three streets, with terraced houses and flat roofs. Among the best-known buildings are the temple of Astarte, founded in the 8th century BC, the houses of the Lucernario di Talco, of Tufo and of Fantar, the fortifications of the north gate, and the Phoenician and Punic necropolises, with fourteen chamber tombs. To the north-west lies the tofet, a sanctuary for the burial of children who died in the perinatal or neonatal period, built around 360 BC.
Studies began in autumn 1962, when a stele from the tofet was found, and excavations started in 1963. The site was abandoned between 110 and 80 BC. The park is part of the Sistema museale di Carbonia, which also includes the Museo archeologico Villa Sulcis, the Museo dei Paleoambienti sulcitani and the Nuraghe Sirai, which is now open only for events.
Highlights
- Temple of Astarte from the 8th century BC
- Tofet with stelae and urns
- Phoenician and Punic necropolises with chamber tombs
- Punic settlement with terraced houses
- View over the Sulcis and the archipelago
- Operated by
- Comune di Carbonia – Sistema museale di Carbonia (SiMuC)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
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| Reduced | €5children aged 6 to 12, school groups, over 65s, groups of more than 25 people, Carta Giovani |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 5 · Free admission under 6; reduced ticket for ages 6 to 12. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and their companions. |
| Groups (26+ people) | €5 per personGroups of more than 25 people. |
| Combined ticket (Museo Villa Sulcis, Monte Sirai, Museo dei Paleoambienti; valid 60 days) | €10 |
| Unified ticket (combined ticket plus Museo del Carbone; valid 60 days) | €15 |
Free admission also for staff of the Soprintendenza (heritage authority) and for ICOM members. Full price for people aged 13 to 65.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
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| Good to know | Booking is recommended for guided tours, by writing to museicarbonia@gmail.com. In the park it is forbidden to climb on the walls, move stones or fragments, or smoke. |
