Museo dell'Ossidiana
Unique museum in Pau, Sardinia, exclusively dedicated to the history and processing of the black gold, obsidian.
The Museo dell'Ossidiana in Pau is Europe's only museum dedicated monolithically to the "black gold" of antiquity: obsidian. This volcanic rock played a central role in prehistoric tool making and trade in the Mediterranean region.
Located amidst the landscape of Monte Arci, where Sardinia's only obsidian deposits are found, the museum offers clear insights into the geological origins and archaeological significance of the material. Visitors can trace the various extraction and processing techniques used over millennia to transform obsidian into sharp tools and artistic objects.
In addition to permanent exhibitions on the history and use of obsidian in Sardinia and beyond, interactive workshops and guided tours are often offered. It is a fascinating journey through time, showcasing the importance of this special material to our ancestors and giving visitors the opportunity to experience its unique properties firsthand.
To honour the memory of Prof. Carlo Lugliè, an important researcher of obsidian, the museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in geology, archaeology, and the early history of Sardinia.
Highlights
- Europe's only monographic obsidian museum
- Interactive workshops and educational labs
- Insights into prehistoric tool making
- Located amidst the obsidian deposits of Monte Arci
Tipps für deinen Besuch
- Check opening hours before visiting.
- Inquire about available workshops.
- Combine your visit with a hike in Monte Arci.
- Allow ample time for all exhibits.