Santuario Nuragico di Santa Vittoria

The Nuragic sanctuary of Santa Vittoria, deep in a highly interesting natural habitat, dominates the surrounding area of the Giara di Serri; from the top, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the varied landscapes of Sarcidano, Trexenta and Marmilla. In the archaeological complex, situated at about 670 metres above sea level, it is possible to observe the evolution of the Nuragic civilisation. This area has been inhabited since the beginning of the Nuragic civilisation, around 1500 BC. From the late Bronze Age to the early Iron Age (1100-900/800 BC), this place became one of the most important expressions of Nuragic religiosity. In fact, the gods of the Nuragic pantheon, worshipped in the various temples of the sanctuary, probably acted as guarantors for commercial, cultural and ideological exchanges not only among the people of the island but also with the mainland. The sacredness of the place lasted until the Christian era, as attested by the construction of the little church, probably Byzantine in plan, devoted to Santa Vittoria; the saint who gives her name to the site is celebrated with masses, pilgrimages and festivals every year on 11 September.