Necropoli di Monte Siseri, Prehistoric necropolis near Putifigari, Italy.

The Monte Siseri necropolis is a prehistoric burial site near Putifigari containing four rock-cut chambers carved into pink tuff stone. Each chamber features decorated walls and elaborate ceiling designs that date back approximately 5,000 years.

The site was created in the Stone Age and used continuously for thousands of years, from around 3200 to 2600 BC. Archaeological work showed that different groups of people occupied and reused these burial chambers over a long period.

The tomb called de s'incantu, or of painted architecture, reproduces in painted relief the interior of a dwelling: a double-pitched ceiling with a central beam and seven black cross rafters per side, red panels between them, and three long stylized bull horns above the false door, linked to a fertility bull god. The two side cells, undecorated, held the burials.

The walk to the tombs takes about an hour through open terrain, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water. There are no formal pathways, so stay on marked routes and be careful if the ground is wet or slippery.

The central chamber holds two square pillars that support a ceiling decorated with original red and black paintings. These paintings copy the design of a real roof and reveal the artistic skill of the people who built this place.