Necropoli a domus de janas di Puttu Codinu
Prehistoric necropolis with nine domus de janas (rock-cut tombs) carved in limestone near Villanova Monteleone, in north-west Sardinia.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Puttu Codinu necropolis (also Pottu Codinu) is a complex of nine chamber tombs cut into the rock, the so-called domus de janas, spread over two limestone outcrops in the valley of the Temo river, a few kilometres from Villanova Monteleone. The tombs were used as collective burials by a community living nearby, from the late Neolithic (around 3500 BC) to the Early Bronze Age.
The site has been known since 1903 and was systematically excavated in 1987–1988 by Giovanni Maria Demartis. Almost all the tombs have a T-shaped plan, with an antechamber, a main chamber and side chambers, and are reached through short access corridors (dromoi).
Tomb VIII is the largest and the most carefully worked architecturally: the ceiling imitates a double-pitched timber roof, the walls have pilasters and false doors, and bull protomes and horns are carved into them. A statuette of the mother goddess was also found here. Tomb IX contains two cup-marks and a ceremonial hearth, while two menhirs are visible in front of tomb VII.
Since 2025 the necropolis has been part of the Sardinian sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with other domus de janas necropoleis on the island.
Highlights
- Nine domus de janas carved in limestone
- Tomb VIII with a ceiling imitating a timber roof and bull protomes
- Tomb IX with ceremonial hearth
- Menhirs in front of tomb VII
- Site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2025
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1people over 65, schools and groups of more than 20 people |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Free admission up to age 5. |
| Seniors | €1Reduced rate for over-65s. |
| Groups (21+ people) | €1 per personReduced rate for schools and groups of more than 20 people. |
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
The site lies along the state road 292, about 5 km from Villanova Monteleone in the direction of Monteleone Rocca Doria; the entrance gate is on the left between km 29 and km 30.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The Sardegna Cultura portal lists a guided tour service; details must be requested from the management. |
