This is one of the four domus de janas found in the area surrounding the village. This specific domus is called domus de janas de Tiandria and has been incorporated into the village itself, due to it being right below the main road. It consists of only one chamber carved into a big rock vaguely resembling a mushroom, with two symmetrical openings on the front wall that make the building look like an owl.

Due to their small entrance openings, the domus de janas were believed to be inhabited by fairies or witches (the so-called janas – hence the name), who were either feared as dangerous beings or seen as friendly and peaceful, depending on the area.

Archaeological evidence shows that these domus were underground tombs carved into rock that could significantly vary in size and complexity.

There are about 3500 domus in Sardinia: some have decorations carved into the inner walls, while others are simply painted.

Some domus were as complex as those found in the necropolis of Sant’Andrea Priu in Bonorva, whereas other domus only had one chamber (like this one), depending on when they were built and what purpose they were used for. The more complex domus were used as places of worship.

In his studies, professor Giovanni Lilliu draws attention to the fact that these tombs were often carved into vertical walls and had openings that were clearly visible from the outside. ‘In this way the tomb was visible from a distance, serving as a bridge between the dead and the living and becoming a shrine to the ancestors where rituals could be performed. It was a religion of the dead.

Text by Laura Melis