The village-sanctuary is dated from the Middle Bronze Age (1900-1350 BC) to the Recent Bronze Age (1350-1150 BC), on the basis of finds from the excavations.

Available sources do not allow a precise chronology for the construction of individual structures.

THE VILLAGE

The village is organised in groups of dwellings linked by lanes and small squares, with spaces for communal activities and worship.

The huts, mostly circular, are built with basalt blocks in courses. Inside are circular hearths, niches in the walls and storage recesses. Floors were of stone slabs, cobbles or beaten earth; clay and, it is thought, cork were used for waterproofing.

HUT 49

Hut 49 stands out for its isolated position and curved plan. The entrance is preceded by a vestibule, while inside is a bench. It has been interpreted as a meeting place for the community.

THE TWO MEGARON TEMPLES

The two sacred areas each include a small rectangular temple with an entrance space and an elongated inner room, called megaron; both are bounded by sacred enclosures.

The first temple is a short distance from the settlement; only its base remains. The second stands at the south-eastern edge of the village, is larger and preserves its walls better. In front of the enclosure opens a space without huts, believed to be a “sacred way”.

Studies suggest the two temples were dedicated to the cult of water.

THE MEGALITHIC BURIALS

Two megalithic burials also belong to the complex. One is identified as a giants’ tomb; for the other no certain classification is available.

CEREMONIES AND COLLECTIVE ACTIVITIES

During religious celebrations the large enclosure of the first temple may have welcomed pilgrims. Markets, races and games may also have taken place in the same space.

FINDS AND PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES

Excavations yielded pottery of various forms, loom weights, spindle whorls and bobbins testifying to spinning and weaving; pestles and grinding stones document food processing.

Casting moulds and metal tools are linked to craft activities. Daggers, axes and ornaments were also found. Many finds are kept in the Archaeological Museum of Dorgali.

Doro Levi excavated the area between 1936 and 1938. In 1961 Guglielmo Maetzke directed restoration work. From 1986 Maria Ausilia Fadda supervised the arrangement of the archaeological area.

Ministero della Cultura, “Villaggio nuragico di Serra Orrios”.

SardegnaCultura, “Dorgali, Complesso nuragico di Serra Orrios”.

SardegnaTurismo, “Serra Orrios”.

Distretto Culturale del Nuorese, “Serra Orrios”.

The name Serra Orrios refers to the Sardinian terms serra (“height”) and orrios, linked to òrriu, a container for storing grain: “the height of the granaries”.

According to one interpretation the name may recall the ancient agricultural vocation of the territory, but the origin of the toponym remains uncertain.