The Arcu Suttaterra is one of the most spectacular natural monuments in the Supramonte of Urzulei and also one of the most impressive examples of the close connection between geology and myth in Sardinia. The name comes from Sardinian and roughly translates to "arch under the earth"—a reference to the extraordinary origin and appearance of this place.
A natural rock arch over the depths
Arcu Suttaterra is not a man-made structure, but a natural limestone arch that formed above a collapsed cave system. Millennia of karst processes, erosion, and the collapse of subterranean cavities created a monumental opening in the rock, which today resembles a stone gateway. Beneath the arch lies the entrance to a deep karst shaft that plunges several dozen meters into the depths.
The place conveys a strong sense of verticality: above, the open sky; below, the dark depths of the ground – a contrast that makes the Arcu Suttaterra particularly impressive.
Geology and karst landscape
The Supramonte is one of the most significant karst regions in the Mediterranean. Arcu Suttaterra is a visible result of these geological processes. Over millennia, rainwater enriched with carbonic acid dissolved the limestone, forming caves, shafts, and sinkholes. The collapse of part of these underground structures left behind the arch visible today, which remains as a stable remnant of the former cave ceiling.
Myth and folk belief
Like many striking places in the Sardinian hinterland, Arcu Suttaterra is shrouded in myths and legends. Local tradition long considered the place an entrance to the underworld, a threshold between the world of the living and that of the spirits. Such ideas are typical of landscapes that combine depth, darkness, and unfathomable depths – qualities often associated with the afterlife in traditional folklore.
Location and access
Arcu Suttaterra lies in the Urzulei region, not far from the Gola Gorropu, and is only accessible on foot. The route there leads through a wild, largely undeveloped karst landscape and requires sure-footedness and a good sense of direction. Due to the open shafts and steep drops, caution is advised, especially in wet conditions or strong winds.
A place for quiet discoveries
Arcu Suttaterra is not a typical tourist destination with infrastructure, but a place for those who want to experience Sardinia in its raw, original form. It exemplifies the interior of Sardinia: archaic, understated, and full of layers of meaning – geological, cultural, and symbolic.
Those who take their time and look closely will recognize more than just a geological formation in the Arcu Suttaterra: a silent dialogue between stone, time and human imagination.
