Nuraghe Losa

The nuraghe is the main class of ancient megalithic structure found on the island of Sardinia, Italy. They were developed during the so-called Nuragic Age, between 1900 and 730 BC. This type of edifice has come to be seen as the symbol of Sardinia, and its distinctive culture known as the Nuragic civilization, which thrived in Sardinia during the Bronze Age.

They are generally large (for the period) stone towers which can be simple round towers or more complex structures, like this one. More than 7,000 nuraghes have been identified on the island, though it is widely believed that originally there were more than 10,000.

The imposing Nuraghe Losa stands on the Abbasanta plateau, in the province of Oristano, It is well preserved and easily accessible, not far from State Road 131. Its accessibility makes it easy to visit, but it is probably a more complex structure than is typical.

It is constructed form black basalt, and it is distinctive for its sinuous shape. Its central structure has a triangular plan. On the western side, a wall (with turrets) is linked to the tower. The tower may be entered and visitors can climb to the top. The entire complex is surrounded by a wider wall, which encloses the structures of the original village of huts. There are also other additional buildings constructed in the late Punic, Roman, and mediaeval periods. 

Having lost its original ancient name over the millennia, it was later named using the term “Losa,” which, in Sardinian means “tomb.” This term is derived  from a  nearby necropolis for cremation remains from the Roman-Imperial era, but the building has nothing to do with that use.

Currently this nuraghe is controlled and maintained by the Paleotur Cooperative, which was established in July 1995 with the aim of enhancing, managing, and safeguarding the archaeological and fossil heritage of the territory. Their holdings include both museums and archaeological areas.