Paulilatino: Nuraghi, Sacred Sites and Sardinian Traditions

Paulilatino lies in the southern part of the Abbasanta basalt plateau and has 110 Nuragic sites. Its archaeological highlights range from the sacred well of Santa Cristina to the Goronna necropolis and Nuraghe Lugherras, which was converted into a sanctuary during the Punic-Roman period. Festival and pilgrimage traditions, along with local dairy products and breads, offer further insight into the structures and their history.

Santa Cristina: Well, Complex and Nuraghe

The temple with the sacred well of Santa Cristina dates to the 12th century BC. The archaeological park includes the Nuragic sacred well, a meeting hut and smaller huts; the well is surrounded by a sacred keyhole-shaped enclosure. Its structure consists of a vestibule, a staircase and a chamber with a tholos vault. Here, you can see both the well’s architecture and the park’s other features.

At the equinoxes in March and September, sunlight reaches the bottom of the well through the stairwell and illuminates the water. This phenomenon connects the structure’s design with a specific point in the annual cycle: the path of the light, the staircase and the water all play a part.

A path leads from the church of Santa Cristina to Nuraghe Santa Cristina, about 50 metres away. This simple, circular structure has a single tower dating to the 16th century BC. Its date places it several centuries before the temple with the sacred well. Another historic highlight is Nuraghe Lugherras, which was converted into a sanctuary dedicated to the fertility goddesses Demeter and Kore during the Punic-Roman period.

Goronna and Practical Information

The archaeological site of Goronna is a necropolis with four or possibly five giants’ tombs. Two of the tombs, with their arched stelae, are still in good condition. The uncertainty about the total number and the condition of the two tombs are separate details: one describes the size of the necropolis, while the other concerns individual surviving tombs.

From the Paulilatino exit on the SS 131, follow the SP towards Bonarcado for about 1.7 kilometres to reach a parking area. From there, a footpath leads up to the basalt plateau. The Palazzo Atzori Museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Check opening hours before you travel.

Festivals and Pilgrimage Traditions

The festival in honour of Saint Cristina takes place on the second Sunday in May. During the festival periods in May and October, the Cumbessias of Santa Cristina are reopened by their owners or by the faithful. Their courtyard served pilgrims as a communal space for meals, songs and prayers. The Cumbessias are therefore open during these festival periods.

The 36 Muristenes beside Santa Cristina are also part of local pilgrimage traditions: they continue to accommodate pilgrims during the novenas. The different timings are useful when planning your trip: the festival takes place on a set date in May, the Cumbessias are associated with festival periods in May and October, and the Muristenes accommodate pilgrims during the novenas.

Local Products and Breads

Dairy products associated with Paulilatino include Caciotta, Dolce Paulese and Musinau, a type of pecorino cheese. Traditional breads also differ between everyday and festive occasions: Su coccoi de tzicchi is for everyday use, while Su lazzaru is for feast days. This contrast offers a concrete glimpse into local food culture and complements the archaeological and religious themes with a culinary tradition.

Discover more destinations: Sedilo, San Giovanni Di Sinis, Abbasanta, Sa Rocca Tunda, Siamaggiore, Arborea, Santa Caterina Di Pittinuri, Bosa Marina.

For the wider travel overview: Oristano.