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Torralba, Sardinia facts for kids

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Torralba

Turalva
Comune di Torralba
Torralba, panorama (02).jpg
Coat of arms of Torralba
Coat of arms
Country Italy
Region Sardinia
Province Sassari (SS)
Frazioni Bonnanaro, Bonorva, Borutta, Cheremule, Giave, Mores
Area
 • Total 36.75 km2 (14.19 sq mi)
Elevation
435 m (1,427 ft)
Population
 (2024)
 • Total 874
 • Density 23.782/km2 (61.60/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Torralbesi
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
07048
Dialing code 079

Torralba (which is called Turalva in the local Sardinian language) is a small town in Sardinia, Italy. It is part of the province of Sassari. A comune is like a local government area or municipality in Italy.

Torralba is famous for being home to an amazing ancient building called the Nuraghe Santu Antine. This special structure tells us a lot about the people who lived in Sardinia a very long time ago.

Discovering Nuraghe Santu Antine

The most important landmark in Torralba is the Nuraghe Santu Antine. This huge stone building is one of the biggest and best-preserved Nuraghe structures in all of Sardinia. Nuraghe are ancient stone towers built by the Nuragic civilization, who lived on the island of Sardinia during the Bronze Age.

What is a Nuraghe?

A Nuraghe is a type of ancient stone building found only in Sardinia. These buildings were made without using any mortar, just by carefully stacking large stones. They often look like giant beehives or towers. Scientists believe they were used for many things, like homes, fortresses, or even places for important meetings.

The Grandeur of Santu Antine

Nuraghe Santu Antine 02
The Nuraghe Santu Antine in Torralba is a very old and impressive building.

The Nuraghe Santu Antine is sometimes called the "Palace Nuraghe" because it is so large and complex. It has a main tower that is over 17 meters (about 56 feet) tall, and it's surrounded by three smaller towers connected by strong walls. Inside, there are hallways, rooms, and even a spiral staircase! Imagine building something so big and strong thousands of years ago without modern tools.

Who Built the Nuraghe?

The Nuraghe were built by the Nuragic people, who lived in Sardinia from about 1800 BC to 250 BC. They were skilled builders and farmers. The Nuraghe structures are a mystery in some ways, as we don't know exactly why every single one was built or how they were used day-to-day. But they show us that these ancient people were very clever and organized.

Exploring the Area Around Santu Antine

Around the Nuraghe Santu Antine, archaeologists have found the remains of an ancient village. This suggests that many people lived near this grand structure. They would have used the Nuraghe for protection, storage, or as a central point for their community. Exploring these ruins helps us imagine what life was like thousands of years ago.

Life in Modern Torralba

Today, Torralba is a quiet and peaceful town. It has a small population of about 874 people as of 2024. The town is located in a beautiful part of Sardinia, surrounded by nature.

Local Government and Community

Like all towns in Italy, Torralba has a local government. The mayor, Pier Paolo Mulas, has been leading the town since 2022. The local government helps manage things like schools, roads, and services for the people who live there. The people of Torralba are called "Torralbesi."

Geography and Surroundings

Torralba is located about 435 meters (1,427 feet) above sea level. This higher elevation often means cooler temperatures and nice views of the surrounding countryside. The area around Torralba is mostly rural, with farms and natural landscapes.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Torralba (Italia) para niños

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