Archaeology

Heritage sites in Sinnai and the surrounding territory

So far, the oldest evidence unearthed which can tell about the lives of people who lived in Sinnai and its surroundings trace back to the Late Neolithic, specifically to an age known as the Ozieri Culture (around 3600 B.C.). Evidence of this period include tombs called domus de janas, menhirs and two human settlements, from which only objects remain: obsidian arrowheads, fragments of pyxis (a typical vessel of that time) and necked vessels, as well as other stone tools. Evidence from the different stages of the Aeneolithic and Early Bronze Ages (c. 3200 to 1900 B.C.) is even more limited, whereas from the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1600 B.C.) onwards, evidence is greater and more diverse. Monuments such as giants’ tombs, simple and complex nuraghes, villages and temples, alongside objects, contribute to tracing the traditions and habits of the communities that populated this area: daily operations, such as chopping firewood, extracting minerals, or weaving; cult-related tasks, such as offerings and rituals; funerary customs, ranging between burial types and funerary ceremonies. Hence, visitors can explore centuries or millennia of history through the many developments and changes in societies and their lifestyles: from the Nuragic to the Iron Age, from the Punic domination to the Romans, and on to the Middle Ages.

Heritage sites within the SCI area

Late Neolithic

Two of the oldest heritage sites identified to date in the surroundings of Sinnai, and falling within the Santu ‘Atzolu SCI area, are a domus de janas and a village, both of which were used in the Late Neolithic age. Here were unearthed objects or fragments of objects, evidence from the so-called Ozieri Culture.

In the promontory known as Cirronis, a series of circular stone line-ups were identified as the remains of several huts. Lithic artefacts such as obsidian and flint arrowheads, as well as hardstone axes and processing leftovers of the same material, can help visitors to picture the community who used to live and work in this area.

Close to the church consecrated to St Bartholomew is the domus de janas known as S’ ‘Omu de S’Orcu or Bruncu S’Allegau, named after the site where it is located. Most likely originating from a natural grotto, this tomb has a single rectangular room with rounded corners; the burial chamber was probably forerun by an antechamber, which collapsed over time. Like others of this kind, the burial was probably looted over time.

Middle to Late Bronze Age: The Nuragic Era

Most of the archaeological sites identified in the area date to this time. They are mainly nuraghes (6), alongside two giants’ tombs and a holy well.

In the Western side of the SCI area are two nuraghes known as Cirronis I and Cirronis II. Respectively at about 300 metres and 600 metres away from the above Neolithic settlement, they reflect this area’s adaptability to the needs of communities across different ages in history. At a short distance, a simple nuraghe called Conca Santinta, which is named after the peak where it is located.

Further South and close to the SCI area, two nuraghes and a holy well are documented. The two nuraghes, respectively known as Bruncu S’Allegau and Bruncu Su Pisu, are at a sight distance since they were built on the top of two opposite hillsides. A few remains are left of the two sites, therefore preventing a clear understanding of their layout. Located further South is the holy well known as Is Cortis A, which is part of a clearly delimited area containing three other worship sites of the same type and period. This worship site appears to be characteristic of the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age. However, due to its location within private land and being buried in stones partly from the site itself and partly from the removal of stones from the ground, it is rather difficult to identify the size and layout of the site. However, surface surveys seem to confirm oral records reporting on circular structures in the surroundings of the holy well. Lastly, little can be said about the nuraghe Masoni Porcus. Due to boulders positioned inside the nuraghe in modern times and the construction of a dry stone wall, interpreting this site is no longer possible.

The Eastern side includes a complex nuraghe and two giants’ tombs. Nuraghe Pirrei is one of the few currently accessible sites, and not too difficult to reach for anyone who enjoys facing a hillside. Located on a promontory known as Taulaxa, at 318 m above sea level, it overlooks the valley towards the Gulf of Cagliari. The building presents two distinct and visible access gates leading to two passageways connecting to the keep. It seems that one of the passageways also led to a second floor of the building. The keep is supported by a bastion consisting of two sets of walls. The giants’ tombs Taulaxa I and Taulaxa II are not far from one another and located at the foot of the promontory where the nuraghe stands; they are both named after their locality. These tombs belong to the so-called ‘block type’ presenting stones arranged in horizontal rows, protruding inwards. Taulaxa II, which is better preserved than Taulaxa I, appears to be the largest, with an exedra (the area opposite the entrance) that was likely made of orthostats, i.e. large boulders arranged vertically to create a semicircle; at the centre of this row of vertical boulders was the entrance, of which the closing stone slab remains. Besides the two tombs, there was another one of the same type: close to the former two, it was destroyed by the lootings involving all these tombs.

The church of St. Bartholomew (Santu ‘Atzolu in the local language)

Located near the historical dam and the filters room, in the area known as Santu ‘Atzolu, stands a church devoted to St Bartholomew. Local literature suggests that the current church was built close to the ruins of an earlier church, which had already been abandoned during the 19th century. According to a legend, the church was built following the vow of a wealthy patient to whom a doctor in Cagliari suggested to cure his serious lung problems by moving to a cool and healthy location, identified as Santu ‘Atzolu, near Sinnai. Here, he built his house near a stream, where he lived for a long time.

Thanks to a healthier climate, the quietness and the salubrity of this location, the man recovered and before returning to Cagliari he decided to have his house consecrated to Santu ‘Atzolu (St Bartholomew).

At present, no information exists about the original building’s layout. Nonetheless, it is understood that Saint Bartholomew has always been worshipped by the community of Sinnai.