nuraghe Mannu

Nuraghe Mannu is a nuragic archaeological site situated approximately 180 metres above sea level on the east coast of Sardinia, Italy, in the municipality of Dorgali, province of Nuoro. The site overlooks the village of Cala Gonone and the Gulf of Orosei, commanding views of the mountainous coast above Cala Fuili beach. Despite its name, which means "large" in Sardinian, the nuraghe itself is a relatively modest single tower that dominates a much more extensive settlement at its foot. The site matters as a significant example of Bronze Age nuragic civilization and for its continued occupation into the Roman period, offering evidence of settlement continuity and coastal defense strategies in ancient Sardinia.

The first documented exploration of Nuraghe Mannu was conducted by Antonio Taramelli in 1927, who reported damage caused by local inhabitants quarrying stones from the monument for construction of homes and streets. Taramelli identified the northernmost and southernmost buildings at the site as dating to the Roman period. He published his observations in 1933 in Notizie degli Scavi, noting stone blocks belonging to Roman structures and basalt blocks with geometric patterns suggesting a cult site with decorative elements comparable to those found at Bonorva, Nuragus, Sardara, and Serri. Systematic archaeological investigation began in earnest with "Operazione Nuraghe Mannu" in 1994, which conducted eight excavation campaigns involving approximately 700 volunteers. These excavations, directed by M.A. Fadda and others, revealed that the first building phase of the village dated to the Middle Bronze Age around 1500 BCE, though the bulk of finds came from the Late Bronze Age, 1200-1000 BCE. Research and excavations in the surrounding area continue to the present day.

The most significant structural remains at the site include the nuraghe itself and the extensive settlement surrounding it. The tower, built of large polyhedral basalt and trachyte stones, stands 4.70 metres at its highest point. Its southeast entrance is covered by an irregular lintel, with preserved block rows rising to between 4.3 and 3.5 metres; above this sits the remains of a small window opening. A 3.7 metre long and 1.2 metre wide corridor, covered with stone slabs, leads to an eccentrically placed chamber of equal thickness form measuring 3.6 by 4.6 metres, with two large kidney-shaped niches that do not reach the floor. The corridor contains access to remains of stairs that once led to a higher, now lost level. The settlement extends over several hectares and includes various circular huts of unpolished stones and rectangular buildings constructed with squared stones placed without adhesive. The Roman buildings, including the northernmost and southernmost structures identified by Taramelli, represent important evidence of later reuse. The basalt blocks with geometric patterns suggesting a cult site with decorative architectural elements remain particularly notable for understanding regional religious practices.

Nuraghe Mannu occupies a small plateau nearly 200 metres above the sea on a prominent position overlooking the Gulf of Orosei. The main facade faces east toward the mountainous coast above Cala Fuili beach, with the tower partially visible from below and from the coast. The structure is a tholos nuraghe of rather modest dimensions, approximately 12.8 metres in diameter, built with large basalt blocks in irregular rows. The entrance, located in the southeast, is trapezoidal in shape, measuring 1.40 metres high, 1.10 metres wide at the base, and 0.60 metres at the top. The interior chamber is elliptical/irregular in form without articulated rooms, characterized by several niches placed close to one another. Archaeological evidence suggests that Cala Fuili bay was used as a natural harbor by the island's indigenous population. The site's commanding position, with clear views over the surrounding area and the sea, supports the interpretation of its function as a watch tower, particularly in relation to the nearby larger site of Su Nuragheddu which appears to have served defensive purposes for the local population.

Nuraghe Mannu is located in the territory of Dorgali on the east coast of Sardinia, within the province of Nuoro. The site is situated in a position described as uncomfortable to reach, approximately 180 metres above sea level on a small plateau overlooking Cala Gonone and the Gulf of Orosei. Despite its difficult accessibility, the nuraghe is partially visible from below and from the coast. The area surrounding the site remains subject to ongoing research and archaeological excavations. The municipality maintains connections to the site through local youth employment programs that have participated in excavation work. Additional information and images are available through the website http://www.ghivine.com and through FASTI Online, which hosts a PDF documentation by F. Delussu. The site forms part of the broader archaeological heritage of the Dorgali region, which includes other significant nuragic monuments.