The Houses of the fairies of Sardinia become UNESCO heritage: the Domus de Janas are the 61st Italian site on the list

The news is official: the Domus de Janas of Sardinia They joined the UNESCO World Heritage Site. And it is not just a formal recognition. It is the seal that certifies the universal value of a treasure that has its roots in the prehistoric era. The Domus de Janas represent the 61st site included in the world heritage list found in our country, which counts the greatest number of registrations.

Their candidacy was launched by the Cesim Sardegna and Network of the Municipalities of the Domus de Janas, with the Municipality of Alghero as the leader, to return centrality and protections to such a precious heritage linked to the cult of the dead and the beliefs about the afterlife from the communities before Christ.

The fascinating story of the “Fairy Houses”

Those who grew up in Sardinia or went from tourist to have at least heard these “fairies’ houses”. In reality it is prehistoric tombs per room, which date back to the middle Neolithic i (V Millennium BC). A series of recent studies has shown their use and continuous excavation during the following periods, until the dawn of the Nuragic civilization. They are real rock sepulchres, often organized in necropolis, where every single tomb could also contain multiple environments, decorations, sculpted symbols.

Some seem miniature copies of the houses of the time: pitched ceilings, fake doors, carved pillars, geometric motifs. A way to recreate the house even after death.

A heritage from (re) discover

In Sardinia there are about 3000 Domus de Janas, scattered throughout the island: an impressive number. But the truth is that many of these sites are still little known and, in some cases, even not very valued.

Among the most important and accessible we remember:

Now, thanks to UNESCO’s recognition, these ancient treasures will be able to obtain the attention and protection they deserve.

Sources: MIC/UNESCO/Sardinia Region