Best attractions and places to see around Biddanoa Franca/Villanovafranca, a town in south-central Sardinia, offers a blend of ancient history, cultural sites, and natural beauty. Its origins trace back to the Nuragic period, evident in its significant archaeological sites. The area is characterized by fertile hills of the Marmilla region, traversed by the Flumini Mannu river. Villanovafranca provides a variety of experiences, from historical exploration to natural landscapes.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
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In summer the lake is dry, but there is a good chance of seeing wild horses at the nearby springs.
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The German-language television series “Treasures of the World – Heritage of Humanity” – which I can recommend without reservation – devotes a quarter-hour report to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the “NURAGHI” in Sardinia and the traditional shepherds’ song known there as “Canto a Tenore”. The accompanying text to the programme states: “Over seven thousand round towers made of stone blocks weighing several tons are scattered all over Sardinia. Often only the stumps of these megalithic buildings, called nuraghi, remain. The first were built around 1400 BC. Small stones were placed between the mighty blocks, a construction method that made the stone towers safe from collapse." This article (episode 413 of the series) can be accessed in the ARD media library at the following link => https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/sardinien/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS8xNTg4MzM5MA
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Here you can see wild horses and lots of insects. We saw the horses at the lake, it was really magical 🤩
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There is a documentary about the model for this modern, but reminiscent of ancient models, documentation - which in my opinion is fully recommended: The German-language television series "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity" is dedicated to the UNESCO world cultural heritage of the "NURAGHI" in Sardinia and a fifteen-minute contribution to the traditional shepherd's song known there as “Canto a Tenore”. The text accompanying the program says “Over seven thousand round towers made of stone pieces weighing tons are scattered all over Sardinia. Often only the stumps of these megalithic buildings, called nuraghi, remain. The first were around 1400 BC. Built. Small stones were placed between the mighty blocks, a construction method that made the stone towers collapse-proof.” This article (episode 413 of the series) is available in the ARD media library under the following link: https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/sardinien/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS8xNTg4MzM5MA
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You can find detailed information about this archaeological highlight at: https://virtualarchaeology.sardegnacultura.it/index.php/de/archaeologe-fundplatz/periodo-nuragico/villaggio-nuragico-di-su-nuraxi Quite impressive. You should invest the 15 EUR.
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You can find detailed information about this archaeological highlight at: https://virtualarchaeology.sardegnacultura.it/index.php/de/archaeologer-fundplatz/periodo-nuragico/villaggio-nuragico-di-su-nuraxi Brochure with 3D reconstruction: https://virtualarchaeology.sardegnacultura.it/images/guide/Campidano/Medio-Campidano_Tedesco.pdf Quite impressive. You should invest the 15 EUR.
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The complex overlooks the edge of the Giara, a basaltic plateau on the border between the regions of Marmilla, Sarcidano and Arborea. The main building is of considerable architectural importance, as it belongs to the type of protonuraghi or "corridor" nuraghi. It is a mighty construction in the Cyclopean work of irregular blocks of basalt. source Sardinia Culture
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Near the Giara plateau, in the central-southern part of Sardinia, rises the symbol par excellence of the Nuragic culture, the only Sardinian cultural site included in the UNESCO World Physical Heritage List. There is a very special atmosphere in Barumini: since prehistory, the current town has been a center of power and an important reference point for a rich and fertile land, the Marmilla. As a testament to this stands Su Nuraxi, the most imposing (and best preserved of thirty nuragic sites in the Barumini area and the most important legacy left to us by the Torre culture. The archaeological area includes a nuragic complex and a vast village of huts, a unique place declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. The impressive site was unearthed during the mid-20th century excavations led by Giovanni Lilliu.The cultural center is named after the "father" of Sardinian archaeology, and is just a few steps from the Nuraghe is located. Su Nuraxi is built of basalt, a volcanic rock from the nearby Giara Natural Park. It shows an over the course of two thousand years, from the 16th century BC. to 7th century AD, material was layered on top of each other. Source: https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/en/discover/su-nuraxi The facility can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Guided tours are offered in Italian and English. More information can be found here: http://www.fondazionebarumini.it/it/area-archelogica-su-nuraxi/
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The most significant archaeological site is Nuraghe Su Mulinu, dating from the 16th century B.C. to the 11th century A.D., known for its unique Nuragic sacrificial altar. Another major site is Su Nuraxi Archaeological Site, the largest Nuragic archaeological area in Sardinia and a UNESCO heritage site. You can also explore the Bruncu Madugui village and nuraghe, which features a proto-Nuragic or "corridor" nuraghe.
To delve deeper into the region's ancient past, visit the Civic Archaeological Museum Su Mulinu in Villanovafranca. It houses artifacts from the Su Mulinu site and other local areas, including a life-size reproduction of the sacrificial altar and a tactile path for the blind.
Yes, Villanovafranca has a characteristic historic center worth exploring. You can visit the Parish Church of San Lorenzo, which contains religious artifacts, paintings, and statues. The Municipal Palace, built from local stone, and the Civic Tower from 1933 are also notable architectural features in the main square.
The Giara Plateau Park, located near Gesturi, is famous for being home to the "Cavallini della Giara," small wild horses rare in Italy and Europe. You might also spot wild horses near springs at the Pauli Maiori Wetland, especially when the lake is dry in summer.
Villanovafranca is nestled amidst fertile and verdant hills of the Marmilla region, traversed by the Flumini Mannu river. The area is known for its agricultural production, including durum wheat, olives, grapevines, almond trees, and prized saffron. The Giara Plateau Park offers a unique landscape of cork oaks and Mediterranean maquis.
From various panoramic points within Villanovafranca, you can admire the cone-shaped hill topped with the ruins of the Las Plassas Castle (or Marmilla Castle), which once served as a defensive outpost.
There are several hiking routes available, particularly around the Giara Plateau. For example, you can find easy to moderate trails like the "Pauli Piccia Wild Horses – Pinnettas Shepherd Huts loop" or the "Ancient Cork Oak – Pauli Piccia Wild Horses loop." You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Biddanoa Franca/Villanovafranca guide.
Yes, the region offers various routes for both cycling and mountain biking. Mountain bikers can explore trails like "Giardino botanico Morisia — giro ad anello nel Parco della Giara" or "Goats on the Path – Free-Roaming Cow loop." Cyclists can enjoy routes such as "Giara ponies – Giara di Gesturi Plateau loop." Discover more options on the MTB Trails around Biddanoa Franca/Villanovafranca and Cycling around Biddanoa Franca/Villanovafranca guides.
Families can enjoy visiting the Pinnettas Shepherd Huts, which offer a glimpse into traditional life and a nice picnic area. The Pauli Maiori Wetland and Giara Plateau Park are excellent for spotting wild horses and enjoying nature. For sports enthusiasts, the San Lorenzo go-kart track is the longest in Sardinia and approved for competitions.
While the region is beautiful year-round, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring archaeological sites. In spring, the Pauli Maiori Wetland is full of water, increasing the chances of seeing wild horses. Summer can be hot, but activities like go-karting or visiting the Giara Plateau (where you might find shade) are still enjoyable.
Beyond the major Nuragic sites, the Pinnettas Shepherd Huts offer a unique insight into the traditional construction style similar to the Nuragic period, representing the last huts of shepherds from the 1960s. The Nuraghe Su Mulinu itself is a hidden gem for its unique sacrificial altar, considered singular in Sardinia and globally.
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich historical context, especially the ancient Nuragic settlements and the opportunity to see wild horses in their natural habitat at the Giara Plateau. The scenic views, the unique cultural insights provided by sites like the Pinnettas Shepherd Huts, and the overall blend of history and nature are highly valued.


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