A few metres from the Spanish tower of the same name are the ruins of what was once one of the key Punic and Roman cities in Sardinia (5^th century BC - 3^rd century AC). Although this area had settlements since the Nuraghic period, it reached its peak around the 3^rd century BC, as shown from maps and documents of the time.

Its fortune was due to the location near a sea harbour and a road paved with volcanic stone (still partly visible) linking it with the cities of Karales and Nora.

In 1926, heavy sea storms uncovered numerous Punic tombs with grave offerings, and in the 1930s, archaeologist Antonio Taramelli and his team unearthed a temple from the late Punic period. Inside, there was a large sandstone statue of the god Bes (a deity of Egyptian origin, protector of women in labour and of the family), now on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Cagliari.

Starting in 1960, a series of archaeological excavations were conducted on the nearby islet of 'Su Cardolinu', which brought to light a small temple and possibly a tophet (sanctuary-children's cemetery), both dating back to Punic times.

Today, a Spanish tower stands on the promontory and a few metres below, on the southern side, recent archaeological excavations have brought to light a monumental stone staircase leading to the top of the hill and several small rectangular and quadrangular structures.