The archaeological site at Monte Baranta is situated on the edge of the trachyte plateau of the same name, about 2 km from the town of Olmedo. The site represents one of the most important examples of pre-nuragic settlements linked to the culture of “Monte Claro”.
The settlement is consistent with a 100 m-long megalithic city wall which protected a small town of 6 huts (where a large number of ceramic pieces were uncovered originating exclusively from the Monte Claro culture) of which only a foundation row and an enclosure tower still remain. On the outside of the city wall, on the other hand, is an unfinished menhir lying on the ground, and a megalithic circle which was incorporated into its perimeter.
The tower enclosure stands in a dominating position on the horse-shoe shaped escarpment. It extends upwards for about 3.5 m with a considerable thickness of 6.5 m. There was also a staircase which led to a kind of wall walk.
The megalithic circle consists of about 80 slabs cordoning off a circular area with a diameter of about 10 m.
In order to reach the area from Olmedo, take the SP 19 towards Alghero for about 1.2 Km. Turn left here and follow the tourist signs along a dirt track for about 850 metres. Once you reach the car park, there is a footpath about 700 m long that will take you to the plateau where the archaeological site is situated.
