Lu Brandali Archaeological Site in Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia

Lu Brandali is an archaeological site located in Santa Reparata, Santa Teresa Gallura. Shaped over time by both nature and human activity, this highly detailed complex comprises:      The Nuraghe is built on a granite promontory, seamlessly incorporating the natural rock formation into its structure. The remains offer a glimpse of its original, complex design, which spanned split levels connected in part by a staircase leading to the upper section on the south-east side. Down the slope, rows of massive masonry are all that remain of a completely ruined tower, while the imposing bastion and the defensive towers of the nuraghe are better preserved. The entrance to the fortified area is clearly visible. The Village extends outside the fortified area, along the slopes of the hill and across the flat areas to the east and south of the complex. The settlement consisted of huts and a significant number of tafoni—natural granite cavities—and crevices within the rocky outcrops. These were used as shelters and dwellings or, if less hospitable, as tombs. The huts are stone masonry structures featuring spacious rooms ideal for daily living, alongside smaller spaces often used for specific tasks, such as small domestic workshops for making cooking pottery—a task traditionally assigned to women. Ongoing archaeological excavations continue to shed light on the daily life of the village. The rich variety of food remains found on site reveals the diverse diet of Lu Brandali's inhabitants, ranging from agricultural and pastoral products to game, fish, and seafood gathered along the shoreline and cliffs. Based on the artifacts discovered, it has been possible to establish a precise timeline: the late Middle Bronze Age and the Late Bronze Age (14th–10th century BC). The Giants' Tomb This funerary monument is located in the southeastern part of the settlement. The sheer scale of these structures traditionally led to the belief that they were the burial places of legendary giants, though they were actually collective tombs for the village. The tomb at Lu Brandali held several dozen burials of both men and women, whose remains were uncovered during excavations alongside small bronze and amber ornaments. Two terracotta bowls found near the entrance were likely linked to burial rituals. In the area in front of the tomb, fragments of coarseware pottery represent the remains of offerings placed in honor of the deceased after burial. How to get there From Santa Teresa, take the SP 90 towards Capo Testa. Opening hours Lu Brandali daily 9:30 - 18:30. Guided tours at 9:30 - 10:30 - 11:30 - 16:30 - 17:30. Torre di Longosardo daily 10:00 - 13:00 / 16:00 - 20:00