Nuraghe Palmavera

 
NURAGHE PALMAVERA

(8th century B.C.)

✅ Lessons in architecture from the past: the Nuragics and the Nuraghe Palmavera.

The ancient Nuragic peoples of Sardinia have much to teach us about design and architecture. Their imposing stone constructions, the nuraghi, still stand after millennia, silent but eloquent witnesses of a fascinating and mysterious civilisation.

✅ Who were the Nuragic people?

The Nuragic civilisation developed in Sardinia from the Middle Bronze Age, around the 17th century B.C., and lasted until at least the 2nd century B.C., passing through various evolutionary phases. It has left us no written texts, but has handed down a vast archaeological heritage of nuragic towers, villages, sacred wells, collective tombs and objects of fine workmanship. Their constructions, built without the use of mortar, demonstrate advanced knowledge in the field of engineering and a complex vision of society and territory.

✅ The Nuraghe Palmavera: an example of millenary architecture.

A magnificent example of Nuragic architecture can be found near Alghero: the Nuraghe Palmavera, one of the most significant sites in northern Sardinia. This archaeological complex offers an extraordinary opportunity to come into contact with the Nuragic world, closely observing its forms, construction techniques and spatial layout.

✅ What to see at the archaeological site.

The Nuragic complex of Palmavera is structured around a main tower (the central nuraghe), still partly intact, that dominates a large village of about fifty huts. The central tower is enclosed by the antemurale, a strong wall that isolates it from the rest of the village.

One of the most significant structures of the entire complex is the Reunions Hut (Capanna delle Riunioni), one of the largest in the whole of Nuragic Sardinia. Inside, one can observe the elements that characterised the political and social heart of the village.

In the centre of the hut is a striking stone model of a nuraghe, placed above a circular altar. It is in fact a faithful reproduction: the original, found in this very room, is today kept for conservation purposes at the “G. A. Sanna” National Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum in Sassari. The presence of this probable betilo - a term used to define sacred or symbolic objects - is eloquent testimony to the symbolic and ritual value that this hut must have held.

Around the model is a bench-seat, intended to accommodate the most authoritative personalities of the community, while in a prominent position is a throne-seat, probably reserved for the charismatic figure of the village. This element constitutes a unicum in the Sardinian archaeological scene, and demonstrates once again the exceptional craftsmanship and social organisation of the Nuragics.

✅ Recent excavations and valorisation.

In recent years, the Nuraghe Palmavera has seen important archaeological innovations and enhancements:

• 2018-2019: an excavation campaign led to the discovery of the foundations of a hitherto unknown third tower, which was probably destroyed in the Nuragic period. New finds, including animal remains, were also discovered, enriching the knowledge of the site.

• 2020-2021: the Region of Sardinia has allocated around € 150,000 for a new phase of excavation and restoration, with the aim of completing the excavation of huts, corridors and secondary towers, monitoring and consolidating structures, and improving visitor routes.

On the cultural and tourism enhancement front:

• A night lighting system has been in operation since 2019, allowing for atmospheric evening visits.

• A public address system, a dedicated Wi-Fi network and further improvements in lighting were added in 2024 to make the visit even more immersive and accessible.

These interventions have made Palmavera not only an archaeological site of great historical interest, but also a modern and engaging cultural destination.

✅ Where are the finds from the Nuraghe Palmavera?

The finds unearthed during the numerous excavation campaigns conducted at the Palmavera site are now housed in three important archaeological museums in Sardinia:

• The “G. A. Sanna” National Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum in Sassari, where a significant part of the material found is exhibited, including, as already mentioned, the original model of the nuraghe found in the Capanna delle Riunioni;

• The Archaeological Museum of Alghero (MUSA), where you can admire ceramics, tools and materials found both in the nuraghe and in the village areas;

• The National Archaeological Museum in Cagliari, where the section devoted to the Nuragic civilisation houses a collection that also includes artefacts attributed to the Palmavera site, such as pottery, votive bronzes and ornamental objects, contributing to an overall picture of the daily life and handicrafts of this extraordinary Bronze Age civilisation.

✅ Practical information for visiting.

The Nuraghe Palmavera is located along State Road 127 bis, at km 45.450, in the direction of Capo Caccia, one of the most spectacular natural sites in Sardinia.

The site is easily accessible by car and is well signposted.

✅ Tourist services and guided tours.

The site is managed by the S.I.L.T. Cooperative, active since 1985 and specialised in cultural and environmental tourism. The cooperative offers:

• Guided tours at the Nuraghe Palmavera and the Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju.

• Customised excursions around Alghero, even over several days.

Extraordinary visits to the Necropolis of Santu Pedru, available only by appointment and on special occasions.

✅ Events and activities at Nuraghe Palmavera.

In addition to its immense historical and archaeological value, the Palmavera Nuragic Complex is now also a place of living culture, where special events and experiential activities take place to enrich the visit and foster a deep connection with the site.

Among the most appreciated initiatives are:

• Theatrical and musical performances at sunset, combining suggestion, sound and archaeology in a unique setting.

• Night-time experiences such as “Palmavera under the stars”, with evening guided tours and observation of the starry sky, often enhanced by poetry readings or concerts.

• Workshops for children and families, designed to bring children closer to history through play and manual skills.

• Special occasions for yoga and meditation at dawn or dusk, to experience the site in a more intimate and contemplative way.

Many of these activities are promoted and managed by the .S.I.L.T. Cooperative., in collaboration with local cultural and artistic bodies. To participate or to know the updated calendar of events, it is advisable to consult this same website, the official channels of the cooperative or the website of the Municipality of Alghero.

✅ Opening hours.

The site is open every day of the year except Christmas Day:

- November to March, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.;

- April, May and October, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m;

- June to September, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

The Necropoli di Anghelu Ruju, follows the same schedule as the Palmavera.