Monte Baranta, Archaeological megalithic complex in Olmedo, Italy.
Monte Baranta is a megalithic fortress built from large trachyte blocks that sits on a rocky plateau overlooking the Nurra plain and Alghero bay. The structure forms a crescent shape and incorporates natural cliff faces as part of its defensive design.
The site originated during the Monte Claro culture period around 3000 to 2200 BC and saw later occupation during the Early Bronze Age and Roman era. The successive use of this elevated location demonstrates its long-term strategic importance.
The sacred area holds a megalithic circle with two phallic-shaped menhirs that reveal how ancient Sardinian communities performed their rituals and built their monuments. Walking through this space, you sense how important this place was to the people who gathered here.
Access is via an unpaved track from Olmedo, with information boards guiding you through the archaeological remains inside the fenced area. The trails are straightforward, but sturdy shoes are advisable because the ground is uneven and exposure to sun is significant.
The walls were built without mortar from trachyte blocks carefully fitted together to form a stable structure that has lasted thousands of years. This ancient building technique reveals the technical skill of the people who constructed this place.
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