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Archaeological site · Cagliari, Sardenha
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
The best-known nuragic complex in Sardinia, a UNESCO World Heritage site: a stone fortress from the Bronze Age surrounded by a village of huts, about 60 km from Cagliari.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Su Nuraxi di Barumini
Su Nuraxi, in Barumini, is the main site of the nuragic civilization, which built thousands of stone towers in Sardinia during the Bronze Age. The central tower was built around the 17th century BC and had three superimposed chambers. Later it gained a bastion with four corner towers and, around it, a village of circular huts, inhabited until about the 6th century BC.
The site lay hidden under the soil until it was identified and excavated by the archaeologist Giovanni Lilliu, born in Barumini, between 1950 and 1957. In 1997 it entered the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Visits to Su Nuraxi are guided, with departures at set times and explanations in Italian and other languages. The route goes through narrow corridors and internal staircases of the fortress and through the village.
The same ticket usually includes, in the center of Barumini, the Polo Museale Casa Zapata, a 16th-century palace built over another nuraghe, and the Centro Giovanni Lilliu, with exhibitions.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the guided visit to Su Nuraxi; 2 to 3 hours including Casa Zapata and the Centro Giovanni Lilliu.
Best time
Early in the morning or late afternoon, especially from June to September, because the site has little shade. Check guided tour times before you go.
How to get there
By car, about 60 km and 1 hour north of Cagliari, via the SS131 and then regional roads. There is parking at the site. Without a car, the best option is an organized tour.
Tip
Buy tickets in advance in high season. Wear sneakers: there are uneven steps and narrow passages inside the nuraghe.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Su Nuraxi di Barumini
What is a nuraghe?
A stone tower in the shape of a truncated cone, built without mortar by the Nuragic civilization in the Bronze Age. There are thousands scattered across Sardenha.
Is the visit guided?
Yes. Su Nuraxi is visited with a guide, in groups that depart at scheduled times.
How long does it take from Cagliari?
About 1 hour by car, roughly 60 km.
Can you go with a small child?
Yes, but there are stairs and narrow passages inside the fortress; a stroller won't fit in those sections.