Cultural Excursions on Sardinia

There are so many cultural treasures from so many different historical ages in Sardinia that it’s almost like being in a large open-air museum. From Bronze Age Nuraghis and Roman and Byzantine excavations to romantic churches and modern museums, the island offers an abundance of enriching excursions. Some of these possibilities include:

Nuraghi Complex of Su Nuraxi at Barumini
Sardinia’s largest and most significant Nuraghi complex is situated in the middle of the island at the same elevation as Oristano. One kilometre away from the small village of Barumini, Su Nuraxi serves as Sardinia’s prehistoric archaeological highlight. You can only begin to comprehend the complex’s magnanimous dimensions when you wander through its narrow alleyways. The only drawback when visiting Su Nuraxi is that you must visit it in a group; individual visits are no longer permitted.

The Roman Ruins of Tharros and Nora
A visit to the ancient Roman cities of Tharros, on the northern promontory of the Gulf of Oristano, and Nora, near Pula on the south coast, are more than worth a visit, and not just to see the thousand-year-old ruins. Both also overlook beautiful turquoise waters and dreamy white beaches.

The Church of the Holy Trinity at Saccargia
The Roman church of Saccargia, one of Europe’s architectural jewels, is to be found in Sassari amongst the lush plains of Codrongianus in northern Sardinia. Historical sources date the church back to the year 1114. Its incomparable façade owes its majesty to the array of white and black stones, replicating the style of Tuscan architecture to be found in Pisa, Lucca and Pistoia. The church’s inner walls of apse were painted with frescoes in the 13th century.

Citadella dei Musei in Cagliari
This highly modern museum complex made of glass, concrete and metal emerges out of Sardinia’s capital as its highest edifice. Built on top of the former Spanish Citadel, the modern concrete structure sits on top of medieval supporting walls, thus uniting past and present. Sardinia’s most valuable and significant cultural assets are housed within this museum complex. One of the main attractions is the Museo Archeologico Nationale (the National Archaeological Museum) although the Citadella of the  National Gallery, the Museum of Siamese Art and a wax figure exhibition are also well worth a look.