Museo Su Mulinu e nuraghe
Civic museum of Villanovafranca in the former Monte Granatico, with finds from the nearby Su Mulinu nuraghe, a Nuragic fortress that can be visited with a ticket.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Su Mulinu archaeological museum of Villanovafranca is housed in the former Monte Granatico, a mid-19th-century building restored to hold the archaeological evidence of the territory. The rooms display finds from prehistory to the early Middle Ages: pottery and objects in metal, glass and stone, dating between the 4th millennium BC and the 3rd century AD. One section is devoted to material from the excavations of the Su Mulinu nuraghe, the only site in the area currently the subject of scientific research.
The nuraghe stands less than a kilometre from the village, in the locality Pranu Scalitta, on a modest rise on the eastern edge of the Riu Sa Canna valley. Excavations, directed by Giovanni Ugas, have identified at least three phases: a Middle Bronze Age proto-nuraghe, later enlarged in the Late Bronze Age with new towers and a large tower with numerous loopholes; and finally, between the end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron Age, a transformation into a sanctuary with an altar and ritual hearths. The site remained in use until the Judicate period.
The most famous piece of the collection is the full-size copy of the Nuragic altar in the form of a nuraghe, dating to the 9th–8th century BC. The museum is run by the Fondazione Villanovafranca – Archeologia e Beni Culturali.
Highlights
- Full-size copy of the Nuragic altar in the form of a nuraghe (9th–8th century BC)
- Finds from prehistory to the Roman period, from the 4th millennium BC to the 3rd century AD
- Su Mulinu nuraghe with its tower and visitable outer wall (antemurale)
- Tactile route with models and reproductions for visitors with visual impairments
- Operated by
- Fondazione Villanovafranca – Archeologia e Beni Culturali
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · Free admission for children up to 6 years. |
Free admission for residents of Villanovafranca. Access to the nuraghe is through the museum ticket office.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is accessible to visitors with disabilities. There is a section for people with visual impairments with Braille materials, handleable models and reproductions of the finds.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Route for children and educational workshops. The tactile route with handleable models is designed in particular for visitors with visual impairments.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in the centre of Villanovafranca. The nuraghe is less than 1 km from the village: leave via Via Giuseppe Verdi; after about 1.1 km turn right towards the locality Baccu su Ergiu and, after about 100 m, take the road on the right.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Bookshop in the museum.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours, a route for children and educational workshops in the museum’s teaching room are available, bookable at the ticket office. |
