Barumini Nuraghe, or Su Nuraxi di Barumini, is one of the best examples of a nuraghe on the island of Sardinia. The nuragic complex of Barumini, which includes the nuraghe and the nuragic village surrounding it, has been excavated and the visitor can get a good idea of what the village and nuraghe were originally like. Su Nuraxi di Barumini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sardinia's top tourist sites.
What is a Nuraghe?
Nuraghi (the plural of nuraghe) are Bronze Age megalithic towers that dot the island of Sardinia. Many nuraghi are surrounded by nuragic villages. Little is known about the nuragic people or their culture and although there are many theories, the purpose and use of these towers is uncertain. There are more than 7000 nuraghi on the island but most are partially ruined and have not been excavated. Take an in-depth look at nuraghi in Europe Travel's article, Inside Sardinia - Ancient Stone Towers.
Barumini Nuraghe and Nuragic Village
The nuraghe, or stone tower, in Barumini's nuragic complex dates from the 15th century BC while the huts outside the tower were built around the 12th century BC. The visit starts with a walk through village where you see remains of stone huts. To access the tower, which is three stories tall, stairs have been erected up one side but to go inside to the bottom, it is necessary to climb down on narrow stone steps part of the way. From the inside there are several chambers off the main tower and looking up you can see the sky through the dome at the top.
Su Nuraxi di Barumini Pictures
Take an up-close look at Burumini nuraghe and the nuraghic village complex with these Su Nuraxi di Barumini Pictures on our Europe Travel site.
How to Visit Su Nuraxi and the Nuragic Complex at Barumini
The nuragic complex of Baurmini is open every day of the year with no closing time for lunch. Hours are 9AM until one hour before sunset. Visitors must be accompanied by a guide and tours are scheduled about every half hour. If you want to be assured of a guide who speaks good English, you may want to hire a guide in advance for your visit. I recommend Paola Loi, an excellent guide, who can also arrange a car and driver as well as visits to other nearby sites.
Barumini is about 65 kilometers north of Cagliari. The best way to get to Barumini is by car and there is a free parking lot. From Cagliari, take the SS 131 to the SS 197. There is no public transportation to Su Nuraxi although there are buses from the city of Cagliari to the town of Barumini and from the town it's about a mile walk.
Adult tickets are 8 euro as of March, 2011. All-inclusive tickets are 10 euro and include Casa Zapata nuaghe and museum in the town of Barumini. There is a small gift shop that sells books near the entrance.
Restrooms are located below the bar across the street from the parking area and entrance.
Nuraghe and Museum at Casa Zapata in Barumini
Recently a nuraghe was discovered beneath the 16th century noble residence of the Zapata family from Aragon, built next to the parish church. Su Nuraxi e' Cresia, the nuraghe of the church, and part of the village has been excavated below the house and visitors can view it from walkways and through glass floors. Some finds from Su Nuraxi di Barumini are on display and there is an interesting ethnographic museum displaying objects from everyday life in the past and a section about the traditional musical instrument, launeddas.
Archeological Finds from Barumini Nuragic Complex
In addition to the finds displayed at Casa Zapata, finds from the excavations at Su Nuraxi di Barumini can be seen in the archeological museum in Cagliari - see Cagliari Travel Essentials.
