Civico Museo Archeologico Ittireddu

Ittireddu during the Nuragic age

Between the 17^th and 13^th century B.C. in the Island we saw the systematic and widespread human settlement with the building of thousands of simple and complex nuraghes (characterised by a variable number of towers) distributed in different systems of settlements, built-up areas and places of worship. At that time, the Ittireddu territory was a highly man-made environment: there were 15 nuraghes, a substantial presence compared to the small extension of the territory. Besides the favorable geomorphological and pedologic conditions, this is clearly due to its strategic position and transit towards the fertile plain of Chilivani, dominated from above by Mount Zuighe – crucial aspects in the context of a broader territorial organisation and the control of its resources. 

We now have evidence of these nuraghes just in some cases: besides the noteworthy case of the Nuraghe Funtana (which was the object of excavations and restoration works), we can see, in a better state of conservation, the Nuraghe Sa Domu ‘e S’Orku (corridor type) and the Nuraghe Chisti. Of the other nuraghes indicated on the map of the territory, we now have just some sporadic marks and blocks.

The religiosity of the Nuragic civilizations is expressed throught magnificent architectural structures and a series of artefacts related to worship. An example is represented by the sacred spring of Funtana ’e Baule where we can distinguish three recurring and essential architectural elements: a vestibule preceding the way to the spring provided with stony seats where the devotees could leave their offerings and carry out the rituals; the 5 steps staircase which leads to an underground room used to protect the heart of the spring.

We haven’t found any Tomb of the Giants, the typical Nuragic collective tombs; however, the motif of the central curved  stele, the typical entrance of the tombs, was engraved inside the rock of a preexisting domus de janas, the Partulesi XIV tomb.