Castelsardo

The town of Castelsardo in Anglona area overlooks the Gulf of Asinara.

Its territory has been inhabited since prehistoric times. One of the most unique sites is domus de janas of Roccia dell’Elefante (5th-3rd millennium BC), formerly also known as Sa Perda Pertunta. These are two underground tombs, excavated within an erratic boulder that rolled down from Mount Casteddazzu, shaped by atmospheric agents, recalling an elephant. Domus de Janas II, consisting of four small chambers, features two opposing bull protomes carved in relief on the walls.

The megalithic wall of Monte Ossoni dates back to the Eneolithic period. This defensive structure, constructed of large blocks, dates back to the 3rd millennium BC; a 60-meter-long and almost 2.5-meter-high section still remains.

The most significant site from the Nuragic period is Paddaggiu nuraghe, a complex structure surrounded by a village. The central tower is very well preserved and has a residual height of 8.5 meters.
Other nuraghes in the area include the single-tower nuraghes of Spighia and Bagialoglia and the complex nuraghe Franzesu.

In the hamlet of Lu Bagnu, there are traces of settlement dating back to the Nuragic period, but significant remains date back to the Roman period. It is a settlement with monumental features, thermal baths and a large cistern, perhaps linked to the baths. Its use seems to be reflected in the name “Lu Bagnu.”
 

Picture: Roccia dell’Elefante (credits Gianni Careddu, via Wikimedia Commons)