Some consider this temple an anachronistic monument, dating to a wrong period in time: this, the oldest megaron temple of Sardinia, seems to have anticipated all others by several centuries. The mysterious Malchittu temple is situated little more than two kilometres out of Arzachena and is the only religious building from the Nuragic period ever to be found in the area. Another feature that sets it apart is the fact that it is still in good condition. In fact, only the roof, gabled wood with a central beam, and the flooring, once pebbled, are missing.

The structure has a sub-rectangular floor plan with an apse at the end that consists of a vestibule and a bedroom. As is customary with in antis temples, the walls of the vestibule are actually the forward extension of the side walls. The entrance to the chamber is located at the back, graced with an architrave and a window. The 8mt-long main room is rectangular. You may notice that the right wall is slightly curved, having to leave space for a rocky outcrop. The wall has built-in seating to accommodate worshippers. On the opposite wall is a counter where offerings were probably placed. There are also two niches carved into the walls, while at the centre of the room you’ll see a ritual fire pit marked by slabs of stone held together with mortar made of mud.

The building was constructed using medium and large rough-hewn rocks and has been dated to the Middle Bronze Age (16^th to 14^th centuries BCE) due to the types of ceramic materials uncovered in the main room. This dating does not coincide with the other known megaron temples on the island, which usually date to between the 12^th and 9^th centuries BCE, and imbues it with a veil of mystery. Near the temple you will find the traces of a completely crumbled nuraghe, a circular hut with a diameter of some 6 metres, and burial sites dug into tafoni, cavities in the rock walls carved by the forces of nature.

Your archaeological tour Arzachena continues with a visit to the nearby Albucciu nuraghe, a ‘corridor’ style nuraghe set in a woods of olive trees, and the Moru Giants tomb, the area’s only ‘rowed’ one. Culture, environment and fun: the excitement continues on the Emerald Coast, the very symbol of elite tourism. Don’t miss out on a visit to Porto Cervo, and the gorgeous pristine Romazzino, Cala di Volpe, Liscia di Vacca and Liscia Ruja beaches.