Complesso nuragico di Santa Caterina, Archaeological site in Italy

The Santa Caterina complex in Uri consists of a complex nuraghe and the remains of a nuragic village. The nuraghe has a central tower (mastio) 11.70 m in diameter and two secondary towers 4.25 m and 4.50 m wide, linked by a wall enclosing an inner courtyard. Built of limestone and trachyte blocks in regular courses, it stands to a maximum height of 1.70 m. Excavations by Giancarlo Pes and Fabio Fiori uncovered the bases of round huts.

The nuraghe was constructed during the Nuragic civilization in the Bronze Age and remained inhabited for thousands of years, through Roman and medieval periods, before eventually being abandoned. Local people later quarried stones from the ancient structure to build new homes, and archaeological discoveries including pottery fragments and old artifacts reveal continuous occupation across different historical eras.

The complex bears the name of its patron saint, reflecting the religious traditions that shaped the settlement's identity over time. Today the site sits among olive trees, herbs, and Mediterranean plants, creating a quiet setting where visitors can imagine the daily rhythms of those who once lived here.

The site sits on a hillside in the center of Uri with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and valley below. Access is from the southeast side, and the grounds can be explored on foot at a leisurely pace, with a small park featuring fruit trees and herbs offering comfortable spots to rest and reflect on what you see.

The German Wikipedia entry records a poorly preserved dolmen at the Santa Caterina site, alongside the nuraghe and village. This megalithic tomb is easy to miss among the tower remains, yet it points to a burial tradition distinct from the nuragic round huts excavated by Giancarlo Pes and Fabio Fiori.