Nuraghe Diana, Archaeological site in Quartu Sant'Elena, Italy
Nuraghe Diana is a Bronze Age stone structure with a central tower topped by a corbelled dome and two smaller towers arranged within an enclosed courtyard. The three towers together form a fortified complex that once stood guard over the coastal plain.
Construction took place in the middle of the second millennium BC during the Late Bronze Age and marked a significant shift in fortification methods for Nuragic peoples. The complex protected a harbor involved in trade at the Gulf of Cagliari and reveals the maritime importance of this coastal region in ancient times.
The structure shows how Nuragic people used this location as a fortification on the coast to protect their settlements and trade routes. The building gives a sense of how important this area was to the ancient communities of the region.
Visitors can explore the ruins and view the stone construction techniques up close, though the terrain is uneven and requires careful footing. Wearing sturdy shoes is recommended since ancient stonework and exposed foundations can present tripping hazards.
Unlike many other nuraghi built in separate phases, this complex was designed and constructed as a single unified building project from the start. The upper sections contain larger stones than the lower ones, suggesting a deliberate construction strategy rather than repairs or modifications.
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