In Sardinia, in the heart of the Abbasanta plateau, there is one of the most fascinating and mysterious places of Nuragic archaeology: the Sacred Well of Santa Cristina. Built between the 9th and 11th centuries BC, this extraordinary complex was dedicated to the cult of water, a sacred and vital element for the Nuragic populations.

The work is a masterpiece of precision: the underground staircase descends with perfect geometry towards a circular underground chamber, surmounted by a thòlos dome. But what makes this site unique is the astronomical phenomenon that occurs during the equinoxes: the sun penetrates through the opening of the well and is reflected on the water with surprising precision. A true “underground cathedral” where science, spirituality and architecture blend masterfully.

We have recently completed the 3D survey of this important archaeological site as part of a research project carried out with the National Research Council of the Sassari section and thanks to the collaboration of the Archeotour cooperative. The intervention is part of a project to enhance, document and study the archaeological area, with the aim of preserving and making this extraordinary site usable in an innovative way.

The survey was carried out using high-precision laser scanning and digital photogrammetry techniques, obtaining a high-density point cloud and an extremely detailed three-dimensional model. The geometric restitution allowed us to accurately document the helical staircase, the underground chamber, the thòlos and the monumental entrance, offering a complete view of the architectural complex.