Villamassargia

The first evidence of human presence in the territory of Villamassargia, a town located in Sulcis-Iglesiente, in the province of Sud Sardegna, dates back to the Neolithic period. In fact, several caves, including that of Corongiu Acca, have yielded materials referable to the Middle Neolithic and subsequent phases. The caves in the area, in fact, were continuously frequented during the Late and Final Neolithic and the Copper Age, as demonstrated by an engraved barrel vase, dated to the Copper Age and now preserved in the Musei Nazionali Cagliari, which came to light in the aforementioned cave of Su Concali of Corongiu Acca. The numerous domus de janas scattered throughout the area also date back to the Late Neolithic and the Copper Age.

There are also various archaeological sites dating back to the Nuragic age. There are numerous nuraghi scattered throughout the area: among these Santu Pauli and Monte Exi nuraghi are worth mentioning. The giants’ tombs are also widespread, visible for example in the localities of Monte Ollastu and Astia, where a sacred well is also attested, which testifies the spread of the cult of water among the Nuragic populations of the first centuries of the Iron Age.

The population of Villamassargia area is also documented in Roman times. In fact, the Romans built, probably in the first half of the 2nd century AD, an aqueduct which conveyed water from the sources of Villamassargia to Carales, in order to guarantee an adequate water supply to the city.

Finally, still referable to the Roman age are some foundries, which bear witness to the artisanal, and specifically metallurgical, activity that has always characterized this area of the island.

In medieval times it is important to mention the presence of the castle of Gioiosa Guardia, built in the 13th century, under the reign of Gugliemo I. This stands on top of the relief with the same name, at 396 meters above the sea level. The outermost environments constituted the guardhouse. Proceeding inwards, the two-storey tower, probably used as a storage room, and the rainwater collection tank remain clearly recognisable. The destruction of part of the fortification makes the reconstruction of the rooms on the ground floor difficult to understand.

Featured image: Our Lady of the Pilar – ph. credits – Giuseppe Oppo by Wikimedia Commons