Inside Sardinia: Domus de Janas Genna Salixi

Posted on February 21 by Jennifer Avventura

Domus(house) de Janas(fairies) are pre-Nuragic tombs that have been carved from sandstone or trachite. They generally consist of several chambers, and were used as a pre-historic burial site. There are over three thousand Domus de Janas throughout the island of Sardinia, some are just a singular chamber while others are a necropolis like Genna Salixi.

Domus de Janas Genna Salixi, Villa Sant’Antonio
Photo by: Jennifer Avventura 2022

Domus de Janas Genna Salixi is one of the largest necropolises on the island, with its fourteen chambers that vary on height, length and width. This spectacular historical landmark is located in Villa Sant’Antonio, Oristano.

A local legend says … that tiny creatures used to inhabit these chambers and they would contently sing songs while brewing or spinning the daily chores.

There are so many historical things to see while visiting the island. Most tales are peppered with ancient folklore that will leave you feeling spellbound, and wanting more.

Inside Sardinia: The Giants’ Tomb of Su Cuaddu’e Nixias

Posted on February 7 by Jennifer Avventura

During Sardinia’s winter months when the maestrale wind outnumbers the sunny days, I like of take off to little unknown pockets of this vast island. I’m usually without a map, but not far from reach is a cellphone with gps, because here in the back mountains of Sardegna, any turn can take you to mysterious and often forgotten ancient monuments of the island, and I recently got lost here …

🔹The Giants’ Tomb of Su Cuaddu’e Nixias in Lunamatrona. Possibly the oldest tomb on the island. Circa 1700-1600 AC. These megalithic structures which were used as massive collective graves can be found all over the island of Sardinia, some are so massive that you feel so small, some tombs are just left in ruins and others feel like a porthole to another dimension.

Su Cuaddu’e Nixias, Lunamatrona, Sardegna, Italy

Su Cuaddu’e Nixias loosely translates to Nixias’ Horse. This tomb is fascinating by the presence of a hole at the center of the pillar. According to legend, the purpose of this hole was to tether horses. However, some scholars believe that the hole was created well after the Nuragic civilization. Leaving many to wonder the hole’s intended original purpose.

There are few, if any, written records from that time. What we have left are fragments of a strong and resilient civilization that domineered this island with their structures that still stand today, and this is what I find so mysteriously beautiful about this island in the Mediterranean.

Have you visited any of the archeological monuments here on the island?

The Smurf House of Tempio Pausania

Posted on February 6 by Jennifer Avventura

Did you know – that there is a small smurf house nestled in the valley at Monte Pulchiana in the province of Tempio Pausania? I didn’t either until a wonderful outdoor excursion brought me there recently. In reality, this granite mass is called a tafone. Tafoni(plural) are small to large cave-like features that develop within the natural face of granite or sandstone. Obviously, someone had the brilliant idea to turn this tafone into a little smurf home. Love it!

Otherwise known (in Sardinia) as The Smurf House or Casa dei Puffi. This smurf house sits on private property and you cannot access it without permission from the owners, and from what I’ve been told, this little house is used as a farmer’s shed. You can drive by the property to see this house, however, there are many ‘do not enter’ signs on the gate. This day the gate was open and I took a quick chance and stepped onto the property to grab a quick photo.

If I could, I would love to live in a little house like this. What about you?

Snapshots: The Bell Tower at Castelsardo, Sardinia

Posted on February 10 by Jennifer Avventura

The bell tower at Castelsardo in Sardinia’s northwest is one of the most photographed monuments from this pre-Nuragic, quaint town by the sea. From every angle, far and wide, the cathedral’s bell tower looms in the background of every photo.

Grand and spectacular from every point; the bell tower at Castelsardo should be on everyone’s “to see” list. There’s a lot to do and see in my favourite Sardinian town, from ancient castles to cathedrals, sea-side sights and some of the best restaurants around where Cannonau is poured freely and the seadas comes just right.

Will you put Castelsardo on your bucket list?

Inside Sardinia: Nuraghe Santa Sabina

Posted on November 16 by Jennifer Avventura

Around every corner lies a medieval surprise and when we passed Nuraghe Santa Sabina we just had to stop and admire the ancient architecture and beauty.

Unfortunately, we were there in the off-season and the office was closed but that didn’t stop us from stretching our legs, breathing the fresh mountain air and investigating this fabulous structure, albeit from afar.

Nuraghe Santa Sabina is in the small rural town of Silanus in the province of Nuoro. This structure is the perfect example of the ancient Bronze Age stone towers (nuraghe) that dot the island of Sardinia. In front of the nuraghe is a stunning Byzantine style church.

The next time I’m in town a full investigation into this medieval church and nuraghe is a must!

Where to find Nuraghe Santa Sabina?

The Nuraghi’s Island (angelafloris.wordpress.com)
Nuraghe and Church of Santa Sabina (visitarelasardegna.com)

© My Sardinian Life/Jennifer Avventura. All rights reserved 2010-2013. All pictures, unless otherwise stated, are property of My Sardinian Life. Do not use without written permission.

What detours do you take when traveling the open road?

Weekly Photo Challenge: Buongiorno from Birori, Sardinia

Posted on October 7 by Jennifer Avventura

Nuraghe Miuddu, Birori, Sardegna

Good morning from the heart of Sardinia.

This is my response to the weekly photo challenge: good morning

Cascata Triulintas, Martis, Sardinia

Posted on September 20 by Jennifer Avventura

It’s easy to find this 15 meter waterfall in the municipality of Martis, Sardinia, Italy. Lucky for us there were plenty of signs posted along the side of the roads indicating: Cascata Triulintas. After driving down a long, dirt road you will come to a dead-end and it’s from here you must walk the 10 minutes it takes to reach the waterfall. There are no signs indicating a parking lot. We just pulled up, parked and walked. We also happened to be the only people visiting the waterfall – it was splendid and great for snapping photos. It’s too bad that my camera’s battery died the moment we arrived at Cascata Triulintas as I only grabbed one photo, the rest are my friends’ shots.

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Pozzo Sacro di Predio Canopoli, Perfugas, Sardinia

Posted on September 18 by Jennifer Avventura

The sacred well of Predio Canopoli in the historical town center of Perfugas dates back to the Nuragic civilization that dominated the island of Sardinia from the Bronze Age (18th century BC) to the 2nd century AD.

Pozzo Sacro di Predio Canopoli by Jennifer Avventura My Sardinian Life

The sacred well is part of a larger complex which includes the remains of a stone fence. The well was accidentally discovered in 1923 by the land owner who was probably searching for clues to the mysterious Nuragic period (there is very little documentation showing how the nuragic civialization survived, most are hypothesis and theories).

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Petrified Forest of Carrucana, Martis, Sardinia

Posted on September 15 by Jennifer Avventura

Twenty-five kilometers east of Sassari, in the sprawling center of the Anglona region, lays the stunning small town of Martis. It is here you will find the magnificent Petrified Forest of Carrucana – Foresta fossile di Carrucana.

Petrified Forest of Carrucana Foresta fossile di Carrucana by Jennifer Avventura My Sardinian Life (4)

What is a petrified forest?

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Medieval Sardinia: Castello dei Doria, Chiaramonti, Sassari

Posted on September 13 by Jennifer Avventura

There is very little information on the history of Castello dei Doria, but what remains clear is: this magnificent castle perched on the hill of St. Matthew in the province of Sassari, Sardinia is a stunning piece of medieval history and a must-see for every traveler to the area. Admission free, with panoramic views all around.

The castle was named after Eleanora of Arborea‘s mother-in-law Giacomina Doria. Eleanora of Arborea is a renowned heroin to many of the islands’ residents. From 1383 to her death, she was one of the most powerful judges in Sardinian history.

Castello dei Doria, Chiaramonti

Castello dei Doria by Jennifer Avventura My Sardinian Life

It’s an impressive building dating back to the 12th century when the Doria family (originally from Liguria) had it built as part of their defensive line in the historical region of Anglona, Sardinia.

Castello dei Doria by Jennifer Avventura My Sardinian Life (2)

There are a number of castles and towers all over Sardinia which were built in medieval times to protect against attacks and thieves; like the ruler of Arborea, Mariano IV, who longed to own the castle, as well as King Peter IV of Aragon who in turn, hoped to gain possession of the castle thanks to a marriage in which he had close relations.

Castello dei Doria by Jennifer Avventura My Sardinian Life (3)

In 1448 the castle was transformed into a church – The Parish Church of St. Matthew – San Matteo, Chiaramonti. Today it dominates the valley below with spectacular views from north to south.

Castello dei Doria by Jennifer Avventura My Sardinian Life (4)