The necropolis of Monte Arìsta sits on the mountain of the same name, with predominant features like granite and volcanic rocks. It lies in a thick shrub vegetation, mostly consisting of holm oak plants and bushes. It sits not far from the rio Su Scusòrgiu and the sea with its extensive beaches.
The necropolis dates back to the Late Neolithic period (3500-2800 c. B.C.) and has been very well preserved. It has ten tombs (domus de janas), carved out of blocks of granite which are separate from one another.
The tombs have been carefully built and fall into two categories: some of them have just one internal room preceded by an entrance atrium and are called “single-cell“; others, the majority, have two internal rooms, again preceded by an atrium, and are called “bi-cell“. All the graves extend horizontally and have a long, uneven layout.
The entrance to the tombs is clearly visible from ground level, perhaps to maintain contact between the dead and living.
The site can be reached from the town of Cardedu. Follow the road leading to the sea (Museddu and Pèrd’e Pèra). At the first crossroads turn right following signs for the “Cardedu marina”. After crossing a bridge, continue straight on for about 1 km and then turn right following signs for the domus de janas. Leave your car in the car park and continue on foot following a picket fence and the occasional sign and, you’ll come to the first group of graves after walking for about half an hour.
