Domus de Janas: Explore Ancient Fairy Houses in Sardinia

Over 5,000 years ago, the Ozieri people in what we now know as Sardinia carefully constructed stone burial chambers to ensure that members of their community faired well in the afterlife. To the modern eye, the stone chambers which erupted from hillsides with small circular entrances appeared to be fairy dwellings. Through the centuries, locals in Sardinia began to speculate that the stone structures that dotted the island were inhabited by fairies. Parents told their children that the fairies watched over the people of Sardinia while they slept and weaved magical garments with golden thread.

In 2025, the Domus de Janas—as the fairy houses are known in Italy—were recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fairy houses are scattered throughout Sardinia, but there are a handful that are especially worth exploring. The picturesque town of Bonorva features a sprawling tomb known as Sant’Andrea Priu with 20 chambers that was designed to mirror the floorplan of a house. Sant’Andrea Priu was repurposed a few times throughout the centuries, so hints of early Christian frescos are visible on the walls. Visitors can explore Sant’Andrea Priu’s maze-like interior and speculate about the people who venerated the lives of their loved ones within the tomb’s walls.

One of the most striking tombs is the Necropolis of Mandra Antine in Thiesi. Mandra Antine is a rugged tomb the erupts from the side of a mountain. Local lore states that during the mid-14th century, a little boy who was orphaned during a plague outbreak wandered into a lavish cave with colorful paintings of bull horns. Legend says the boy was cared for by faeries until he passed away with his eyes wide open so that he could enjoy the splendor of his cave hideaway until his last breath. Mandra Antine’s cave paintings feature rare bursts of color. Historians remain unsure exactly why this particular tomb is so colorful.

If you’re interested in exploring a natural cave that could easily double as a mermaid habitat, consider paying a visit to Neptune’s Grotto in Alghero. Neptune’s Grotto is frequently submerged in water, so it is best to check the tides before attempting to explore the fanciful cave. The towering stalactites in Neptune’s Grotto resemble a grand undersea throne room fit for the king of the sea.

No trip to Sardinia is complete without exploring the magical and historic Domus de Janas. You’re sure to leave Sardinia with plenty of fanciful stories to tell.