Studies and projects for the archaeological park of the Nuraghe s’Urachi (Sardinia, Italy). From knowledge for heritage conservation to project for the community

Abstract

[EN] This piece of research regards the archaeological area of ​​the Nuraghe s'Urachi in San Vero Milis (OR- Sardinia, Italy). The site is probably one of the most significant and complex testimonies of the so-called "Nuragic civilization" in Sardinia (18th–11th century BC). Among the approximately eight thousand currently surviving "nuraghi”, the s'Urachi complex stands out for its pivotal role in the vast and important network of territorial relations that characterized central-western Sardinia during the Archaic period. Its crucial role in terms of its political, economic, social, and military importance is displayed by its considerable size. Today only seven of the ten perimetral towers are still visible, and of the central tower — originally over twenty-five meters high — only the base remains. However, from an archaeological point of view, the Nuraghe still constitutes one of the most interesting artifacts of the region. As part of a renewed collective interest in Nuragic sites, the area of ​​the excavations of s'Urachi is a candidate to host a new archaeological park whose formal and organizational characters are still to be defined (section 1.1). In August 2021, a workshop was organized and promoted as part of Accademia Adrianea in Rome Master's degree program on Architecture and Archaeology. The workshop focused on the site to envision four possible scenarios (section 2.1) for implementing and stimulating the preservation and conservation processes, as well as to enhance the archaeological area in accord with the municipal administration and the local community. The process of rediscovery, participation, sharing, and final "reappropriation" of this heritage's tangible and intangible value represents one of the fundamental objectives this article intends to outline.