Giants over two meters tall, a Nuragic settlement, a Phoenician emporium, a Carthaginian fortress, a Roman city, a Byzantine capital, and the capital of Arborense. In Tharros, you’ll discover over two millennia of history.
The Natural Archaeological Park of the Sinis Peninsula, one of the most significant and evocative archaeological legacies in the Mediterranean, a remarkable synthesis of ancient history and unique natural landscape.
A landscape that has its roots in the Neolithic period and continues for several centuries: from the Nuragic civilization, through the Punic period, to the splendor of the Roman Imperial age and then the Giudicati period.
The Park includes
– Historical vestiges: From the Neolithic (4500-1800 BC), through the Nuragic and Phoenician remains, to the Punic and Roman cities
– Coastal ponds (such as the one in Cabras), salt pans, large areas of Mediterranean scrub, the basalt cliffs of Capo San Marco, the quartz beaches of Is Arutas and Mari Ermi, and the evocative island of Stomach ache. It’s a key area for biodiversity: pink flamingos, aquatic birds, dolphins, endemic flora, and rare mollusks.
Main archaeological attractions of a rich and diverse itinerary spanning over two thousand years of history:
– the Giants of Mont’e Prama
an important Nuragic burial site known for its Giant statues, colossal sculptures dating back to the 8th century BC up to two and a half meters tall, representing warriors, archers, and boxers. Models of Nuraghe are also on display.
– Tharros
The ancient city overlooking the sea, founded in the 7th century BC. by the Carthaginians, with Nuragic, Phoenician, Punic, Roman, Vandal, and Byzantine remains.
It includes Necropolis, the Tophet (Punic-Phoenician sanctuary), Monumental Temple, Punic Port, ancient roads, and walls.
– Giovanni Marongiu Civic Museum of Cabras
Dedicated to the millennia-old history of the Sinis, with finds from prehistoric times to the Roman period. It displays statues of the Giants of Mont’e Prama, models of Nuraghe, and Phoenician and Roman artifacts.
– Hypogeum and Church of San Salvatore
Impressive 4th-century early Christian church with underground rooms decorated with frescoes and inscriptions. Hypogeum located beneath the church dedicated to Jesus the Savior, dating back to the 4th century AD.
Inscriptions, graffiti, and depictions from different eras, including Christian symbols and mythological figures.
– Tower of San Giovanni
Spanish defense tower built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Located on the summit of the hill overlooking the archaeological area of Tharros, with a wide view of the Gulf of Oristano.
– Nuragic village of Su Murru Mannu
Remains of a Nuragic village located on the hill of Su Murru Mannu, the oldest evidence of human settlement in the Sinis area.
– Natural Area
Beaches, ponds, and sand dunes, including the beach of San Giovanni di Sinis and the Cabras pond.
Scooter Train
Visitors can choose to reach the entrance to the Tharros archaeological site, the Spanish tower of San Giovanni, and the beaches of Sinis aboard the scenic train, which departs from the Tourist Services Center square and is an ideal solution for those with mobility difficulties or who prefer to avoid walking.
To use the service: Tourist Services Center, Piazza di San Giovanni di Sinis, Cabras (Oristano)
Natural Archaeological Park of the Sinis Peninsula
Cabras (Oristano)
Sardinia – Italy
What to see in the province, nearby, places to visit, weekend, Archaeology, Museums, History, cultural itineraries, historical, Tourist Attractions, Culture, Tourist Interest, Archaeological Parks