15c: The Bau ‘e Tanca is one of the “tallest” nuraghi in Sardinia, being positioned at 1122 meters above sea level, on the top of a plateau that falls within the territory of Talana. Some other nuraghi are situated at a higher altitude, among which the Ruinas (or Orruinas) of Arzana stands out, which Giovanni Lilliu indicated as the highest in Sardinia, being located at 1197 meters above sea level, and finally the Ura ‘e Sole of Desulo, unfortunately in very poor condition, which at least among the known nuraghi, with an altitude of 1331 meters, is certainly the holder of the altitude record. Archaeologist Caterina Nieddu, regarding the Bau ‘e Tanca, writes among other things that “the entrance of the nuraghe, with a rectangular section, features a large granite lintel surmounted by a small window for drainage; the corridor, on the left side of which opens the staircase, leads into the inner chamber with a circular plan, visible only from above as it is inaccessible due to the collapse material that has flowed inside.” She also writes that “in the surrounding area of the nuraghe, the extensive village develops, which testifies to intense life activity of the site: the huts are of the circular plan type, only the first rows remain, and in most cases, the mounds of stones from the masonry.” She concludes with this observation: “The harmony between the monumental complex and the surrounding area currently used for grazing is striking, with the constant presence of animals that, free to graze in the archaeological area, seem to revive the ancient activities of the village.”
Near the nuraghe, the remains of the eponymous giant’s tomb are visible.
The photos of the nuraghe Bau ‘e Tanca, in Talana, are by Pino Fiore. That of the eponymous giant’s tomb is by Bruno Atzori.
