Elephant Rock, Ancient rock formation near Castelsardo, Italy
Elephant Rock is a naturally eroded formation near Castelsardo shaped by weathering to resemble an elephant. The stone comprises trachyte and andesite, located along State Road 134, with two burial chambers carved into its interior structure.
The carved chambers date to the pre-Nuragic period between 3400 and 2700 BCE, following the domus de janas burial tradition. This type of rock-cut tomb was widespread across Sardinia during those millennia, reflecting how early populations honored their dead.
The lower burial chamber holds paintings of cattle and carvings that reveal how ancient Sardinian peoples honored their deceased. These artworks offer a window into the spiritual and daily practices of their time.
The site sits along the road connecting Multeddu and Sedini, making it easily accessible by car. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear to navigate the rocky terrain and view the formation from different angles.
The two burial chambers differ notably in their state of preservation and decorative details. The upper chamber shows minimal markings, while the lower one retains painted designs that demonstrate how these ancient tombs originally looked when first used.
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