The territory of Isili, like that of other nearby municipalities, offers a wide variety of natural and archaeological sites. Beyond the landmarks covered in dedicated guides, there are many other locations that can be visited fairly easily, although it’s worth noting that not all have been adequately promoted or maintained.
One of the highlights is the Monte Simudis municipal park, a woodland area with multiple trails.
Like many forests in the region, it features majestic cork oaks and Mediterranean maquis, along with abundant aromatic herbs such as myrtle and helichrysum. On Monte Simudis, you can also explore a trail with visible grooves carved into the rock by carts over centuries.
This path leads to S’Atza de is Tuvus, passing by caves that bear evidence of ancient human use.
S’Atza de is Tuvus is a rocky cliff approximately 50 meters high, offering breathtaking views of the valley below, the town, the lake, and much of the Sarcidano region. On clear days, the snowy peaks of the Gennargentu Mountains are visible on the horizon. Another trail on the same mountain leads to Conca Manna, home to the Sa Friorosa spring, which is linked to a local legend of miraculous origins.
On the opposite side of Isili, near the borders of Laconi, Gadoni, and Villanova Tulo, lies another forest. While part of it is within the grounds of the Penal Colony and inaccessible, the remainder is open for exploration. It is a popular spot for hunters and foragers searching for mushrooms and wild asparagus. Trails here lead to Funtana Raminosa, a large abandoned copper mine in the territory of Gadoni. This site is part of the Sardinian Geomineral Park and is a must-see for enthusiasts of industrial archaeology.
The territory of Isili, like the rest of the Sarcidano, has been inhabited since prehistoric times, resulting in a rich layering of archaeological sites from different eras and civilizations over the past 5,000 years. In fact, the characteristics of the area favor agricultural activities and this is combined with the presence of resources that were very important to the ancient world, such as the copper deposit of Funtana Raminosa and the various clay deposits, all this in a favorable geographical position as a transit point and commercial hub from the Campidano plains to the Barbagia mountains. These are the factors that explain the density and persistence of very ancient settlements whose traces have come down to us.
In addition to Is Paras, Isili is home to about 50 nuraghi in varying states of preservation. Among the most notable and accessible are the Nuraghe Asusa, located within a park in town, and Nuraxi Longu, visible along the road to the Sant’Antonio Church in Fadali. The latter is well-preserved but partially hidden by vegetation. Though it is on private property, visiting is not difficult, but entering the structure is not advised for safety reasons. Along the same road is another important site, the Roman Bridge of Brabaciera. This well-preserved bridge, recently reinforced, has three arches and once spanned the small Brabaciera stream. It is easy to spot as the paved road passes directly next to it.
There are also Domus de Janas, prehistoric rock-cut tombs. The most accessible are at the edge of the town’s upper section, known locally as Tanas de Mrexani (“fox dens”), visible from the Belvedere viewpoint. Two small entrances lead to interconnected chambers carved entirely into the rock. Another example is the Domus de Janas of Concali de Tzoppus, located within the Canyon of Corrigas.
A significant but underdeveloped site is Sa Bidda Beccia (“the old village”), believed to be the remains of a Roman-era town. Some speculate it may be the ancient Valentia, although others place Valentia in the territory of Nuragus. This site is near the industrial area of Perd’e Cuaddu but has never been excavated and is difficult to access.
