The nuragic complex of Bau Mendula, in Villaurbana, is described on the Oristano museum website as follows:
“The nuragic complex of Bau Mendula is located at the foot of Monte Arci, on the border between the municipalities of Oristano and Villaurbana. Despite the dense vegetation enveloping the notable remains of the nuraghe, it is possible to reconstruct its layout. A central mastio with a spiral staircase carved into the masonry connects with four smaller towers via a curtain wall. Unfortunately, only part of the curtain has been preserved in elevation for a few rows of stones like the central one. The towers have a tholos roof. The structures are made of volcanic stone of trachyte and basalt, roughly hewn and arranged in pseudo-polygonal work. The nuraghe experienced a collapse in an unspecified age, as evidenced by the masonry recurrences. The towers lead to an internal courtyard through a paved walkway. Surrounding the polylobate nuraghe is a true village with circular-shaped huts. Thanks to the excavation campaign of 1990, it was possible to recover a large quantity of ceramic material, essential for dating the complex to the Middle Bronze Age. The nuraghe was later frequented in the Roman Age and in the early Middle Ages, as suggested by the discovery of a sandstone sarcophagus dating to the 6th century AD. The Bau Mendula complex holds great historical and archaeological importance, as its strategic position allows for the control of the entire surrounding territory.”
(museoristano.it)
The photos of the nuraghe Bau Mendula are by Marco Cocco.
