The complex of Lu Palatzu of Baldu is characterised by a square tower and by seventeen rooms arranged around a large pentagonal courtyard, which may be accessed from the north-eastern side (fig. 1).

Fig. 1 - Luogosanto, near Santu Stevanu: site plan of the area of Lu Palatzu di Baldu (Graphic reconstruction by C. Cocco).

Several metal artefacts have been found inside the two rooms called β (beta) and γ (gamma): in the former they mainly consisted of nails and iron awls, while the latter (fig. 2) revealed stirrups and other horse tackle (fig. 3).

Fig. 2 - Tower and gamma room, view from the east (photo by Unicity S.p.A.).

Fig. 3 - Stirrup and metallic elements from the excavation
(from PINNA 2002-2003, p. 79).

The discovery of these metal objects has allowed interpreting the various environments of the complex: mostly used as living quarters and, as in this case, as manufacturing areas.

During the XIII-XIV centuries, this type of metal object was traded between Liguria, Tuscany and Sardinia. It remains unclear whether these objects were imported or a sign of a local production, therefore linked to a manufacturing plant in the area.