In Sardinia, in the historic area of Meilogu, subregion of Logudoro, is a true gem of Nuragic architecture. This is the Nuraghe Santu Antine, also called “ Sa Domu De Su Re ”. The famous nuraghe is part of the municipality of Torralba.
The Nuraghe Santu Antine and the valley of the nuraghes in Torralba
The Nuraghe Santu Antine stands proudly in the countryside of Cabu Abbas and is the largest in the Torralba Nuraghe Valley. This is a nuraghe dating back to the Middle Bronze Age and consists of a central tower of 17 meters and surrounded by an enclosure built in the following period.
The Nuraghe Santi Antine is, like that of Su Nuraxi in Barumini, an example of architecture Sardinian which has remained in an excellent state of conservation until our time. The basalt blocks make up the entire structure and become smaller as they approach the top of the towers.
By accessing the main doorman, it can be noted that it is divided into two levels accessible by an internal staircase arranged in a clockwise direction. It is very likely that the staircase also reached a third level, which no longer exists. On the first level there is a balcony seat and two niches.
Near the nuraghe, it is possible to observe the remains of the dwellings of the ancient village which represents a perfect example of the reuse of structures, typical of the Roman era. Indeed, it is possible to find circular huts from the Nuragic period, as well as rectangular houses built in Roman times.
In the plain of Cabu Abbas there are thirty nuraghes, reason for which the area is called the valley of the nuraghes ( Valle dei Nuraghi ). Apart from Santu Antine, it is advisable to visit the Nuraghe Oes, a complex Nuraghe, itself also surrounded by a Nuragic village. Not far from the circular settlements of the old huts, there are blocks of stone which, according to scholars, represent the remains of some Tombe dei Giganti.
The necropolis of Sant'Andrea Priu is also a site of great value that should not be missed.
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