Santuario nuragico di Abini
Bronze Age nuragic sanctuary near Teti, with a village of huts and a sacred well, known for the votive bronze figurines found during excavations.
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About the museum
The Abini sanctuary was one of the most important places of worship of the Bronze Age communities of central Sardinia, who gathered there for rites connected with water. It lies in a valley about 10 kilometres from Teti, near the River Taloro, along routes used for the seasonal movement of livestock, and has no defensive structures, a sign of a peaceful place of worship. It was frequented from the Recent to the Final Bronze Age, roughly between the 12th and 9th centuries BC.
The site was first excavated in 1865; there followed the campaigns of Antonio Taramelli in 1931 and those of Maria Ausilia Fadda from 1981. The excavations have yielded dozens of human bronze figurines, votive swords, boat models and ingots; a single hoard found in 1878 contained more than 100 kilograms of bronzes. The most famous piece, a “demon-hero” warrior with four eyes, four arms and long horns, is kept in the Museo archeologico nazionale di Cagliari, while the Museo archeologico di Teti holds replicas of the bronze figurines.
The area includes numerous huts, mostly circular, with stone benches and niches in the walls, some containing copper slag that suggests craft workshops, and a sacred well enclosed by an elliptical enclosure, now protected by a fence.
Highlights
- Sacred well in an elliptical enclosure
- Village-sanctuary with numerous circular huts
- Site where votive bronze figurines and swords were found
- Valley setting along the River Taloro
Admission & discounts
Access is charged; for up-to-date prices and times, see the operator's page.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Car park near the site; a wooden gate gives access to the village.
From Teti take the road towards Lake Benzone; after about 10 km turn right and continue for about 2 km to the car park.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The site is visited with guides from the Museo archeologico comprensoriale di Teti, by prior booking. |
