Necropoli di Anghelu Ruju
The largest pre-Nuragic necropolis in Sardinia, with over thirty domus de janas carved into the limestone near Alghero.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Anghelu Ruju necropolis lies in the countryside a few kilometres from Alghero, in north-western Sardinia, and is considered the largest pre-Nuragic necropolis on the island. It dates from the pre-Nuragic period, between the 4th and 3rd millennium BC, and belongs to the Ozieri culture, one of the most advanced civilisations of Sardinian prehistory.
The tombs were carved directly into the limestone and are the famous domus de janas, also called “houses of the fairies”: not simple burials, but sacred places dedicated to the cult of the dead. The complex includes over thirty hypogeal tombs, many with funerary chambers that reproduce the interior of the homes of the living, with carved ceilings, columns and architectural details, as well as engravings and symbols.
The excavations have yielded pottery, tools, jewellery and ritual objects that bear witness to the cultural level of the pre-Nuragic populations and to religious practices that are still partly mysterious. Today the site can be visited on a structured route with information panels and is run by the cooperative SILT, which also offers guided tours and combined experiences with the nearby Palmavera nuraghe.
Highlights
- Over thirty hypogeal tombs (domus de janas) carved into limestone
- Funerary chambers with carved ceilings, columns and incised symbols
- Ozieri culture, 4th–3rd millennium BC
- Structured route with information panels
- Combined experience with the Palmavera nuraghe
Permanent exhibition
- Necropoli prenuragica di Anghelu Ruju – Route among the hypogeal tombs carved into the rock, with funerary chambers decorated with symbols and engravings from the 4th–3rd millennium BC.
- Operated by
- Cooperativa SILT (gestione)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €5Children aged 6 to 17; minimum age for the tour is 6 years. |
| Groups | –Tour operators can contact the operator for dedicated conditions. |
| Combined experience Anghelu Ruju Necropolis + Palmavera Nuraghe (about 2 hours) | €12 |
The €7 ticket includes admission to the site and the structured route with information panels (about 1 hour, maximum 20 people); the guided tour is not included. A private archaeological experience of about 2 hours is also available, priced on request.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Recommended for ages 6+
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|
The tour is recommended from age 6 upwards; children aged 6 to 17 pay €5.
Getting there & parking
The necropolis lies along the Strada Provinciale 42 dei Due Mari, a few kilometres from Alghero.
Get directionsAmenities & 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
| Good to know | The standard tour lasts about 1 hour (maximum 20 people, minimum age 6, meeting point at the necropolis) and includes a brief introduction and a self-guided visit with information panels. The private experience and the combined one with Palmavera last about 2 hours. Booking online or at +39 329 438 5947 (also via WhatsApp). |
|---|
