18 – The Temple of megaron Domu de Orgia, in Esterzili, is one of the 31 sites proposed to Unesco as flag bearers of the grandiose nuragic civilization, its history, and its vast material testimonies.
“Not only is it the largest nuragic megaron temple known so far, but it is also the site of a true archaeological ‘treasure’, as well as the protagonist of a popular legend. Sa Domu de Orgia is located about a thousand meters above sea level on Mount Cuccureddì, in the territory of Esterzili, a village nestled between the plateaus and valleys of the Barbagia di Seulo. The sanctuary, enclosed by an elliptical-shaped fence, measures 22 and a half meters in length and just under eight in width. It consists of a vestibule, obtained by extending the side walls, a cell divided into two rooms, and a small opistodomos on the side opposite the entrance, probably intended to make the structure more symmetrical. The building material is schist, worked into squared blocks and arranged in horizontal rows.
Within the walls of the temple lingers the legend of the priestess Orgia, both witch and fairy, who lived here until the inhabitants of the surrounding villages forced her to leave. The witch decided to take revenge by hiding two baskets, one containing a treasure, the other a swarm of terrible ‘muscas maceddas’, the killer flies. Those daring enough to seek the treasure, by opening the wrong chest, would cause a massacre, so no one attempted the venture, and the ‘booty’ would still be hidden within the walls.” (Sardegna Turismo).
The photos of the megaron Temple of Domu de Orgia, in Esterzili, are by Giovanni Sotgiu, Sergio Melis, Lucia Corda, Maurizio Cossu, and Cinzia Olias.
