The sacred well of Predio Canopoli in the historical town center of Perfugas dates back to the Nuragic civilization that dominated the island of Sardinia from the Bronze Age (18th century BC) to the 2nd century AD.
The sacred well is part of a larger complex which includes the remains of a stone fence. The well was accidentally discovered in 1923 by the land owner who was probably searching for clues to the mysterious Nuragic period (there is very little documentation showing how the nuragic civialization survived, most are hypothesis and theories).
One year after the well was discovered, excavation began by Antonio Taramelli. The sacred wells that are found in Sardinia follow the same circular pattern found in nuraghe; with the main area consisting of a large, circular room.
There are eight steps leading down into the well, the stone walls are made from limestone and have been perfectly cut square. People also left religious offerings on the stone benches that line the outside of the well and were there to pray and worship the holy well.
The Pozzo Sacro di Predio Canopoli is a guided tour and the pozzo is heavily gated, so don’t be disappointed when you show up without a ticket and guide. To book your ticket, visit the Museo Archeologico Paleobotanico:
Via Nazario Sauro – 07034. Perfugas (SS) Tel/Fax 079-564241 Email: sarundine@tiscali.it
What have you discovered in your backyard lately?