Funtana Coberta, Nuragic holy well in Ballao, Italy
Funtana Coberta is an underground sanctuary in Ballao with an entrance vestibule and a deep chamber accessed by a staircase of twelve steps. The structure is built from carefully fitted limestone blocks arranged in two asymmetrical wings that converge toward the central water source.
The sanctuary was built during the Nuragic period between 1200 and 850 BC, when this civilization constructed underground temples for water rituals. Archaeological work beginning in 1918 uncovered artifacts showing how long this site held religious importance.
The well shows how Nuragic people held water sacred and performed ceremonies in this underground space. Visitors can see the careful arrangement of stairs and chambers that were designed specifically for religious purposes.
The site sits about three kilometers from Ballao village in a green valley and is accessible by foot or car. The preserved flooring in the entrance area helps visitors understand how the original space was designed.
The underground structure uses a special building type called a tholos, where two asymmetrical wings were built with limestone blocks of uniform thickness. This architectural system was rare among ancient Mediterranean cultures and shows the craftsmanship of the Nuragic people.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
