Monte Sirai

Sulcis


Monte Sirai, 4km northwest of Carbonia, is crowned by the remnants of a 7th-century-BC fort. Built by the Phoenicians of Sulci (modern-day Sant'Antioco) in 650 BC, it was taken over a century later by the Carthaginians. Not a lot now remains but among the ruins you can make out the placement of the Carthaginian acropolis and defensive tower, a necropolis and a tophet (a sacred burial ground for children).

As well as the regular entry ticket, cumulative tickets are also available (€15) covering Monte Sirai and four other museums in Carbonia, including the Museo del Carbone.


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Nearby Sulcis attractions

1. Museo del Carbone

1.72 MILES

Housed in Carbonia's decommissioned coalmine, the Grande Miniera di Serbariù, this fascinating museum provides a chastening look into the life of Carbonia…

2. Chiesa di Santa Maria di Monserrato

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This lovely church, the centrepiece of Tratalias' borgo antico, is a prime example of Sardinia's Romanesque-Pisan architecture. Consecrated in 1213, it…

3. Grotta di Santa Barbara

7.42 MILES

The Grotta di Santa Barbara lies deep within the abandoned San Giovanni mine some 4km west of Iglesias. The walls of the single enormous chamber are…

4. Museo Archeologico Ferruccio Barreca

7.51 MILES

This great little museum is one of the best in southern Sardinia. It has a fascinating collection of local archaeological finds, as well as models of…

5. Tophet

7.53 MILES

Dating to the 8th century BC, the tophet was an ancient sanctuary used by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians to cremate and bury their children and still…

6. Funtanamare Beach

7.6 MILES

The nearest beach to Iglesias is at Funtanamare (also spelt Fontanamare), about 12km west of town. A long strip of golden sand backed by dunes and fertile…

7. Museo Etnografico

7.82 MILES

At this small museum in the historic centre, you can investigate age-old living habits, as illustrated by an assortment of traditional farm tools and…

8. Villaggio Ipogeo

7.83 MILES

Sant'Antioco's Punic necropolis and its cavernous tombs were taken over by islanders in the Middle Ages as a safe haven from marauding Arab raiders. Here…