Life in Sardegna

Credit foto: Fois Luigi · CC BY-SA 4.0

Place · Villanovaforru

Nuraghe Genna Maria

Nuraghe Genna Maria stands on a hill just outside Villanovaforru, overlooking much of the Marmilla region. The Nuragic complex, surrounding settlement and museum in the village allow visitors to connect the monument, its finds and the wider landscape.

The hilltop nuraghe

The elevated position offers wide views across the surrounding countryside. The complex includes a central tower, structures added in later phases and spaces connected with the settlement.

The village

Rooms and huts from different periods of use developed around the Nuragic fortress. Excavations have helped reconstruct aspects of everyday life and the organisation of the settlement.

Views across Marmilla

The hilltop setting makes Genna Maria rewarding for its landscape as well as its archaeology. On clear days, views extend across large areas of southern inland Sardinia.

The Villanovaforru museum

The archaeological museum in the village centre displays finds from the site and surrounding territory, completing the outdoor visit.

In the Trip Planner

Genna Maria is a strong archaeological stop to combine with Villanovaforru and, if time allows, one other attraction in Marmilla. For history-focused itineraries, it should take priority over adding several nearby villages.