In the historical region of Sarcidano, a geographical sub-region of Lower Flumendosa, in south-central Sardinia, there is one of the major protohistoric monuments of Western Europe, the island’s most imposing megalithic structure, as well as the only known nuraghe with five towers.
The Nuraghe Arrubiu complex, in the territory of Orroli, covers five thousand square meters and consists of a central tower (keep) 15 meters high – originally twice as high – surrounded by a mighty bastion formed by five towers, in turn surrounded by a defensive wall with seven towers connected by curtain walls. The tholos (false dome) roof is intact, as in some of the minor towers.
The archaeological area of Orroli is at the center of the gentle elevation of Pran’ e muru, controlling the territory along the Flumendosa. The gorges, through which the river once flowed, are now partly submerged by two artificial lakes.
Near the nuragic complex is the Giants' Tomb of Spada. While in the Su Motti park, in a holm oak forest, there is a necropolis of 15 domus de Janas. In the town, instead, the Nuraghe Arrubiu House, a museum housed in an old manor house, presents in twelve rooms the results of the excavations from 1981 to 1996 (then resumed from 2012).
