Not far from Seui, the Nuraghe Ardasai stands among the best-preserved Nuragic ruins in Sardaigne. A prehistoric fortified tower!

The belief that the first fortified towers date from the Middle Ages is widely held. With all due respect to historians, the nuraghes in Sardaigne, exemplified by that of Ardasai, provide clear evidence to the contrary. Perched at 1,015 meters altitude on the edge of a rocky promontory, the Nuraghe of Ardasai, in the small village of Seui, is a site of major historical and archaeological significance and a powerful symbol of Sardaigne. So many questions stir curiosity at the sight of this ancient fortress: Was it a watchtower? Did it have the exact appearance of a medieval defensive structure? How tall was the keep? Unfortunately, the ruin is shrouded in mystery that invites the visitor to reverie. A must-see discovery on your next voyage to the Ogliastra region.

A bit of history…

The civilization that built the nuraghes emerged in Sardaigne around 1,600 years before the common era. The round towers scattered across the island represent its greatest achievements.

The Nuraghe of Ardasai is estimated to have been built during the Bronze Age, roughly a thousand years before Christ. Its position above a rocky peak reveals its strategic role: the tower likely served as a watchtower, monitoring the surroundings and alerting villagers to raids or invasions. Even if manuscripts don't state it explicitly, the foundation suggests a need to protect a fairly substantial urban settlement.

Inhabited by the Nuragic people, the building fell into abandonment over the centuries. From the 1960s onward, a hermit named Ziu Darieddu sought refuge in the tower under mysterious circumstances.

Today

The town of Barbagia di Seulo is renowned for its wines and gastronomic heritage, but that's not all. It's also rich with memories of the Nuragic age, the most significant being the Nuraghe of Ardasai located near Seui. After tasting culurgiones or civargeddus, any self-respecting visitor will venture to meet this monument.

Visiting Nuraghe Ardasai

A visit to the nuraghe is an excellent excuse to immerse yourself in nature, among holm oaks and weeping willows.

The nuraghe, or rather what remains of it, is built entirely of limestone rock. A large portion of the walls still stands. It supports a main tower and smaller satellite towers. Originally, the keep had multiple levels, but only the first floor has survived the passage of time. You can also clearly make out the staircase of the keep providing access to the upper sections, which have since disappeared.

At the base of the fortress, take a look at the round or ovoid-shaped huts clustered around the valley. It's hard to believe that three thousand years ago, flocks bleated, games and laughter echoed across this place now heavy with silence and desolation. But the remains of what was once an urban center are unmistakable, compelling the visitor to bow before this venerable prehistoric civilization.

The nuraghe is located near Seui, a village in Barbagia, along the Tonneri road. Tourists wishing to visit are required to book a flight to Cagliari.

Cagliari airport is about 100 kilometers from Seui town center. Take the next train to Mandas from the Monserrato San Gottardo station. You get off at Mandas and take a taxi to reach Seui. The total fare ranges between €85 and €110.

Nearby

Leaving the Nuraghe of Ardasai, other interesting sites deserve your attention:

• The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene;
• The Church of San Giovanni Battista;
• The former anthracite mine;
• Other nuraghes scattered around the Seui area.