Attractions and Places To See around Silius - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Silius include a blend of historical, cultural, and natural sites in the Gerrei region of southern Sardinia. The area features remnants from Pre-Nuragic and Nuragic times, alongside more recent historical landmarks. Situated east of Mont'Ixi, Silius offers a landscape shaped by its agro-pastoral traditions and geological features. Visitors can explore ancient structures, learn about the region's mining past, and experience its unique natural environment.
Best attractions and places to see around Silius
- The…
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Mining Cart in Villasalto
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Sardinia Radio Telescope
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It was officially opened in 2013.
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Lake Mulargia
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Sacred Well of Funtana Coberta
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Scenic Road to Villasalto
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It is one of the most famous, interesting, and intact of the approximately thirty Nuragic well-temples where the water cult was practiced: the name "covered well" itself expresses its function and excellent state of preservation. Three kilometers from Ballao, a town in the historic region of Gerrei – along Provincial Road 13, which leads from the town to Escalaplano – lies the sacred well of Funtana Coberta, nestled in a green valley floor, enclosed to the east by a small hill. The entire building, ten and a half meters long, was constructed from irregular, roughly hewn limestone blocks of uniform thickness, carved on the exposed side. The floor plan is unusual: two wings of different lengths create an atrium whose original flooring is still visible. As is common with sacred wells, the monument is divided into three parts: on the surface, the small outdoor atrium (or vestibule), rectangular and almost two meters wide; an access staircase with twelve narrow steps, well crafted and covered with a stepped ceiling composed of twelve sloping architraves that fit into the walls and echo the shape of the underlying steps leading down to the floor of the tholos chamber; more precisely, the tholos chamber was built in the shape of a small nuragic: it is a semi-subterranean chamber with an almost circular plan, three and a half meters wide at the bottom and covered by a false dome five and a half meters high. Noteworthy is the construction of the dome, surrounded by a drum wall, to which a projecting body is attached that delimits the access staircase and the two wings of the atrium in antis. Also noteworthy is the slight curvature of the walls, almost as if to 'invite' the faithful into the interior of the temple. The floor is made of limestone slabs carefully arranged in a radial pattern. Here is the well shaft, dug into the rock, five meters deep, and covered with 36 rows of stones, with an average opening of one meter wide, from which the water spring flows. Source and further information: https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/it/esplora/funtana-coberta
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A very large and striking radio telescope!
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Of the three present in Italy, the SRT is the most advanced and modern. It mainly carries out research in the scientific field, and to a lesser extent control tasks for space exploration and artificial satellite missions around the Earth.
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Nice artificial lake dating back to the 1950s. It is located not far from Sanluri, about 40km and is generated by the dam of the Rio Mulargia.
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Lake created in the 50s which draws mainly from the Fiumendosa. Of fundamental importance to ensure water in Cagliari and neighboring cities. It is possible to make excursions by boat with scheduled departures from both Siurgus Donigala and Orroli
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Country town inhabited by less than a thousand people. Not far from here is the Su Suergiu mine, since it was abandoned in the 80s the town has gradually become depopulated. There is a cart used to transport minerals still on display in the town centre.
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Lake created in the 50s which draws mainly from the Fiumendosa. Of fundamental importance to ensure water in Cagliari and neighboring cities. It is possible to make excursions by boat with scheduled departures from both Siurgus Donigala and Orroli
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Beautiful winding road that leads (uphill) to Villasalto, vice versa it will be a fun descent!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What ancient historical sites can I explore around Silius?
The region around Silius is rich in ancient history. You can visit two significant Domus de Janas (Pale de Su Nuraxi and Sa Domu 'e S'Orcu) and the stone circles of s'Incorradroxiu from the Copper Age. During the Bronze Age, the area saw the development of nuraghi along the Flumendosa river, such as the impressive Santu Damianu Nuraghe, and the Sacred Well of Funtana Coberta, a well-preserved Nuragic well-temple dedicated to the water cult.
Are there any sites related to Silius's mining history?
Yes, Silius has a notable mining heritage. The town is home to one of the few active fluorite mines in southern Sardinia. You can see a historical artifact at the Mining Cart in Villasalto, which is still on display in the town centre and reflects the region's past. The Church of San Sebastiano and Santa Barbara in Silius also honors Saint Barbara, the patroness of miners.
What natural attractions are there near Silius?
Nature lovers can visit the Spring of Is Alinos, highlighted as a point of interest. Additionally, Lake Mulargia, an artificial lake created in the 1950s, is of fundamental importance for water supply and offers opportunities for boat excursions. The town itself is situated east of Mont'Ixi, providing a scenic backdrop.
What cultural experiences can I find in Silius?
Silius offers unique cultural insights. The town's parish is dedicated to Saints Felicita and Perpetua, a dedication unique in Italy, with celebrations held in March and June. The local cuisine is deeply rooted in farming and shepherding traditions, offering an authentic taste of the region. For a broader cultural understanding, the Museo Etnografico 'Sa Domu de is Ainas' in nearby Armungia showcases traditional garments, agriculture, and crafts.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Silius?
Families can enjoy several sites. The Mining Cart in Villasalto is a historical site that can be interesting for children. Lake Mulargia offers boat excursions, which can be a fun activity for all ages. Exploring the ancient Nuragic remains, such as the Sacred Well of Funtana Coberta, can also be an educational adventure for older children.
What outdoor activities, like cycling or mountain biking, are available near Silius?
The area around Silius is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various routes for mountain biking, touring cycling, and road cycling. For MTB enthusiasts, there are trails like 'Villasalto and Gerrei – between nuraghi and valleys' or the 'Lake Mulargia Loop'. Cyclists can explore routes such as 'Covered fountain – Domus de janas loop from Silius'. You can find detailed information and routes on the dedicated guides: MTB Trails around Silius, Cycling around Silius, and Road Cycling Routes around Silius.
What is the Sardinia Radio Telescope and can I visit it?
The Sardinia Radio Telescope is a highly sophisticated instrument used for scientific purposes and observing orbiting satellites. It is considered the most advanced and modern of its kind in Italy. While it's a significant landmark, its primary function is scientific research. For visitor information, it's best to check official sources as access may be restricted or require prior arrangements.
Are there any significant archaeological sites nearby, apart from the Nuragic remains?
Yes, about 6 km from Silius, you can visit the Necropoli Pranu Mutteddu in Goni. This necropolis is considered one of Sardinia's most important archaeological sites, featuring a funeral chamber built using the sub-cyclopic technique, offering a glimpse into ancient burial practices.
What is the best time of year to visit Silius for outdoor activities?
Sardinia generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate. For outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures, making them ideal for exploring the natural and historical sites around Silius without the intense summer heat. Summer can be very warm, best suited for water-based activities at Lake Mulargia.
What are some scenic drives or viewpoints around Silius?
The area offers beautiful landscapes for scenic drives. The Scenic Road to Villasalto is a beautiful winding road that provides enjoyable views, whether you're driving uphill towards Villasalto or enjoying a fun descent. The general topography, with Silius situated east of Mont'Ixi, also offers picturesque vistas of the agro-pastoral landscape.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Silius?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The Sardinia Radio Telescope is noted for its impressive scale and scientific significance. The Mining Cart in Villasalto offers a tangible connection to the region's industrial past. Many also enjoy the tranquility and importance of Lake Mulargia and the historical insights provided by sites like the Sacred Well of Funtana Coberta.
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