Archaeologists Find 'Fairy Houses' in Popular Tourist Spot

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Declan Gallagher | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 10:50 AM ET

Archaeologists working on the idyllic Italian island of Sardinia have unearthed a series of “fairy houses,” officials from the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the Provinces of Sassari and Nuoro announced on July 29 (via Fox News).

Sardinia, famous in equal measure for its archaeological ruins and flawless beaches, has long been a hotspot for important historical discoveries. The fairy houses date back to the Neolithic and Copper Ages, roughly 5,000 years ago. The term “fairy houses” originated from local folklore, as legend told that the properties were the homes of magical creatures. However, the same is somewhat ironic, as the fairy houses are actually burial chambers.

Three Fairy Houses Found

In total, three fairy houses were unearthed during the most recent excavation. It’s a fairly rare discovery—up until now, only 17 other fairy houses have been discovered. Now, the number rests at an even 20.

"The characteristics of the ground between [two tombs] … suggested the presence of a new, as yet unexplored tomb," the statement explained. "The excavations indeed brought to light three new domus de janas…arranged like a fan starting from the Tomb of the Hearth."

Within the fairy houses, a plethora of other artifacts were recovered by officials. “Numerous and significant finds" were pulled from the tombs, such as a greenstone axe, pickaxes, a spindle whorl, and fragments of pottery and obsidian. One fairy house, which researchers have dubbed the “Tomb of the Roman Vases,” was adorned with an elegant painted wall band. Also recovered were 30 Roman-era ceramic artifacts, such as plates, oil lamps, and jugs, all of which were in “excellent condition.”

"This new discovery enriches knowledge of the domus de janas—tombs carved into rock that often reproduce, in relief, details of the houses of the living and symbolic decorations linked to magical-religious rituals," the statement said.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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