A visit to Su Nuraxi in Barumini, in central Sardinia, is an experience you'll never forget. We tell you everything you need to know to get organized.
What is the Su Nuraxi site in Barumini?
Su Nuraxi is a nuraghe, a prehistoric construction typical of Sardinia. Nuraghi (plural) consist of a single round tower and appeared on the island between the 15th century BC and the end of the 10th century BC. They are characteristic of the Nuragic civilization, a prehistoric people who inhabited Sardinia. They left almost 20,000 of these constructions on the island, but Su Nuraxi is probably the most emblematic.
It's worth noting that this one is particularly imposing, being almost 20 metres high, so much so that the tower is divided into three storeys. Added to this is a defensive wall and a village made up of some fifty huts, completing the largest archaeological site in Sardinia, and the only one listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. For all these reasons, a visit to Su Nuraxi in Barumini is a must in Sardinia.
Book my guided tour of Su Nuraxi
Why visit Su Nuraxi?
Well, for a start, Su Nuraxi is located in Barumini, inland from Cagliari, about an hour's drive north. It also allows you to diversify your activities on the island, leaving Sardinia's most beautiful beaches to discover the masterpiece of Nuraghic civilization, a must-see in Italy. The visit is systematically accompanied by a historian's guide, who will help you understand the long history of the site, especially as it is possible to choose a guided tour in French. The tour also includes admission to two other sites: Casa Zapata and the Giovanni Lilliu Center.
Related article: plan your vacation with our Sardinia sailing cruise itinerary.
What can you see when you visit Su Nuraxi in Barumini?
A visit to Su Nuraxi in Barumini reveals not just a building, but a veritable prehistoric complex. You'll discover the nuraghe, with its tower, bastion and chambers, the wall and several alleyways around which dwellings, cisterns and wells were built. Your guide will show you the inside of the structure.
What you need to know before visiting Su Nuraxi in Barumini
Here's all the practical information you need to know before visiting Su Nuraxi in Barumini.
What are the prices and opening times?
The ticket to visit Su Nuraxi automatically includes admission to two other Barumini sites: Casa Zapata, an aristocratic residence dating back to the 17th century, and the Giovanni Lilliu Center, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the region.
Prices are as follows:
- Full price: €15
- Reduced rate for 13-17 year-olds: €12
- Reduced rate for 7 to 12 year-olds: €9
- Under 6s: free
Tours are accompanied exclusively by a guide. Groups depart every half-hour. Tours last 1 hour. The last departure always takes place one hour before the site closes. Site opening times are as follows:
- January, February, November, December: 9 am - 5 pm.
- March: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- April and September: 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m
- May, June, July, August: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m
- October: 9 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets for Su Nuraxi in Barumini can be purchased either on site or online. This second option allows you to choose your visit time directly and avoid waiting on site.
The easiest way is to book a guided tour from Cagliari right here . You'll explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with a guide and discover the history of this Sardinian archaeological monument in Barmini.
How do I get to Su Nuraxi?
The Su Nuraxi complex is located in central Sardinia, an hour's drive from Cagliari on European Route 25. If you don't have your own car, you can also use a tour operator who offers an excursion with transport included from Cagliari. This is often the simplest solution, as the ticket includes the entire tour and transport. Buses 436 and 501 from Cagliari are also available.
