42. Beyond Caraocu

The nuraghe Caraocu stands near the eastern edge of the basaltic plateau Gollei Lupu, to the southwest of the village of Loculi. Dating back to the Nuragic Age, from the 17th to the 12th century BC, it is one of the best-preserved in the area. It belongs to the monolithic tower type with a tholos structure, and its external masonry is made up of polyhedral basalt stones arranged in irregular rows. The tower is approximately 5 meters tall, and its entrance faces south-southeast, featuring a broken lintel. Upon entering, on the left, there’s a stairwell that leads to the chamber. The circular chamber, challenging to access due to the corridor cluttered with stones, features a masonry of regularly arranged stones in rows, bound together by smaller stones. Despite also being cluttered with debris, two niches can be observed – one in front of the entrance and another in the right wall.

A short distance from the nuraghe, in the southward direction, some circular structures and straight walls from the settlement to which the nuraghe belonged can be glimpsed. At a maximum distance of about 50 meters from the nuraghe tower, two parallel walls encircle the perimeter of the Gollei. These walls are the result of historical stone clearances but likely follow pre-existing structures.

Coordinates of the photographed site: 40°24'08.3''N 9°35'14.9''E