Siurgus Donigala

Siurgus Donigala is a Trexenta village above the shores of Lake Mulargia. The municipality was formed in 1927 by the union of the villages of Siurgus and Donigala; the surrounding territory preserves nuraghi, prehistoric tombs and traces of Roman settlement.

Why it matters

The village's archaeological remains span several periods, from Neolithic sites to nuragic towers and Roman finds. It also preserves churches and traditions connected with its two historic settlements.

What to notice

Nuraghe Su Nuraxi, once known as Nuraghe Cocconi, is described by the municipality as the first nucleus of the village. A stone known as Elemento R, found in a garden, is displayed in Piazza Nuraghe and bears a short inscription. The churches of San Teodoro and Santa Maria anchor the historic centre. In the surrounding territory are Nuraghe Arcei, the domus de janas of Zraghi, the holm-oak wood of s'Abioi and a monumental olive tree at Genna de Cresia. Donigala's church of Nostra Signora di Monserrato is associated with a September procession.

Context and history

Siurgus and Donigala remained separate villages until their unification in 1927. The origin of the name Siurgus is uncertain; accounts connect it either to an earlier group of settlements or to a monastery. Roman remains, including a bronze votive vessel dedicated to Aesculapius, document activity along the road between Karalis, Biora and the Sarrabus. A Byzantine burial ground was found in the keep of Nuraghe Su Nuraxi, and the surrounding territory includes evidence of Punic and Roman use.