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The original name of this Nuraghe is “nurache ‘e losas”, where losas means “graves” in Sardinian and in fact the literal translation is “Nuraghe of the Graves”. The impressive site is located near Abbasanta near Oristano, strategically located next to the crossing of the freeways SS131 (from Cagliari to Porto Torres) and SS131DCN (from Abbasanta to Olbia).
The Nuraghe Losa is well worth a visit as it is one of the most famous archaeological sites on the entire island, having remained relatively intact over the millennia and showcasing the magnificence of this unique Nuragic civilization. Together with the monuments of Barumini and Torralba, this place is an important testimony of the Nuragic culture in Sardinia, which dates from 1800 BC. to the 3rd century BC and thus includes the Bronze and Iron Ages and early antiquity.
What exactly is a Nuraghe?
Anyone traveling in Sardinia will often discover impressive towers and ruins made of large stones scattered throughout the landscape (there are currently around 7,000 of them on the island). These are the remains of prehistoric nuraghi, which only exist in this unique form in Sardinia. The most famous Nuraghe is certainly Su Nuraxi near Barumini, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
When building a Nuraghe, the large stones were placed on top of each other without mortar and ended in a cone shape in a false dome (tholos). With a diameter of 10 m, the structures could easily reach a height of 20 m and consist of one or more towers and be simpler or more complex in their structure. They are often found as a kind of watchtower on hills or near prehistoric sanctuaries, such as necropolises, holy wells and fairy tombs (Domus de Janas) or dwellings. The one-towered Protonuraghe, which can be up to 4,000 years old, are certainly among the oldest.
Similar to our castles, the nuraghi, with their characteristic thick walls and embrasure-like viewing slits, certainly had a defensive and protective function and were considered a central place and meeting point for the community living nearby. Some of the nuraghi were probably also used as granaries or stables.
The Nuraghe Losa
The Nuraghe Losa has been the site of archaeological excavations since the 19th century and stands out in the archaeological nuraghi panorama of the island for its organic design, the compactness of its volumes and the refinement of the masonry techniques. The structure, composed entirely of large basalt blocks, is considered a Tholosnuraghe and consists of a central, largely complete main tower surrounded by smaller ones arranged in a triangle.
Within the mighty walls there is a staircase to the second floor, but unfortunately it has not been preserved. The rectangular cuboids used to build the main tower, which is still 13 m high today, become smaller towards the top and only a few “filler stones” were used. To the northwest there is a wall with two further towers that encloses a kind of courtyard. These small towers are made of polyhedral cuboids and their surface appears more chaotic compared to the main tower. Directly opposite the main entrance to the nuraghe is another round building with 2 entrances and wall niches.
A few steps from the complex are the remains of a giant’s tomb, built using an ancient masonry technique.
Useful information about visiting the Nuraghe Losa
The Nuraghe Losa can be visited daily from 9 a.m. until one hour before sunset. You can either discover the Nuraghe on your own or entrust yourself to a guide who can give you more details and precise information about the place and the Nuraghic period in general.
It is also possible to organize group visits and take part in the special visits that the Paleotour cooperative that manages the site organizes every year, including the famous night openings in summer.
Entry costs €6 per person, for groups of 20 or more the price is €4.50 per person. Children between 6 and 13 years old pay €3, while entry is free for people with disabilities and children aged up to 5 years (as of August 2023).
Where to stay in Abbasanta and surrounding areas
If you want to enjoy the colors and atmosphere of Nuraghe Losa in a relaxed manner and perhaps even visit it at different times of the day, staying in Abbasanta or nearby is a good idea. Below we present 5 authentic and charming accommodations that are perfect for a holiday in the province of Oristano:
- The Boutique Hotel Lucrezia is just 35 km from Abbasanta. It is a family-run, charming hotel in the village of Riola Sardo, best known for hosting international motocross competitions every year. The boutique hotel is the perfect place to relax thanks to its simple and comfortable furnishings
- The B&B Pessighette is located in the middle of nature near Bosa, just 45 minutes by car from Abbasanta and its beautiful Nuraghe. This is a charming accommodation with a family atmosphere and swimming pool, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. We recommend a stay here for a travel experience between sea and culture, but with a little taste of the island’s winemaking tradition; the Malvasia is at home in Bosa!
- The Hotel Antica Locanda del Gruccione is located in the town of Santu Lussurgiu in the largest volcanic massif on the island, between Bosa and Oristano and about 35 km from the sea. In addition to comfortable rooms, the Albergo Diffuso offers a gourmet restaurant: ideal for a relaxing holiday and to immerse yourself in the traditions of Sardinia
- The Albergo Diffuso Aquaesinis in Cabras with its spa area, its comfortable rooms, the pool and the beautiful garden is just the thing to unwind and discover a corner of Sardinia that (fortunately) is not yet so overcrowded, but it is beautiful
- The charming B&B Bisos (Sardinian for “dreams”) is located in a historic palazzo in the town of Paulilatino in the central area of Sardinia, about 30 km east of Oristano. The building was renovated by the owners with a lot of love and according to the principles of sustainable architecture
What else there is to see in the area besides the Nuraghe Losa
It is true that Abbasanta is most famous for its nuraghe, but in reality there are other things to see nearby. This certainly includes the 4-hectare Sant’Agostino Park with its oaks, located along the provincial road that leads from Abbasanta to Santu Lussurgiu. The park is a great place for family walks and trips where you can completely immerse yourself in nature. Near the park is also the small rural church dedicated to Sant’Agostino, overlooking the square “sa curtizza”.
Another place worth seeing in the area is the Bonorchis Spring: Here you will also find special areas for picnicking under dense oak trees. Not far away you can also visit the Su Pranu giants’ tomb and the Mesu Enas tomb area.
Speaking of archaeology, one place we highly recommend is the archaeological area of Tharros, located near Cabras, just 1 hour’s drive from Abbasanta. The city of Tharros was founded towards the end of the 8th century BC and abandoned in 1050 AD. However, the remains mainly date from the Roman period. Among the most interesting structures are the thermal baths, the foundations of the temple and a part of the old town that consisted of houses and handicraft shops. Two necropolises and the Tophet, the cemetery sanctuary, have been preserved from the Phoenician period. On the Su Murru Mannu hill, on the other hand, there are the remains of a Nuragic village that was abandoned before the arrival of the Phoenicians.
