Marmilla and Sarcidano · Città metropolitana di Cagliari

Things to do in Nurallao

Things to do in Nurallao, Sardinia: Aiodda giants' tomb, Nieddiu nuraghe, Funtana is Arinus waterfalls and the Trenino Verde. Tips, food and festivals.

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Nurallao (Nuradda in Sardinian) is a village of about a thousand people in the Sarcidano, nestled between two limestone hills along the SS128 road in the heart of Sardinia. Its name echoes the nuraghi, the island's Bronze Age stone towers, and the countryside lives up to it: here stands the giants' tomb of Aiodda, one of the largest megalithic burials in the Mediterranean. With woods, waterfalls and old quarries, it suits travellers who love archaeology, nature and slow travel, perhaps aboard the Trenino Verde scenic train.

What to see in Nurallao

Aiodda giants' tomb

On the border with Nuragus, this large Nuragic burial monument has a façade, a semicircular forecourt and a chamber about ten metres long. Older menhirs were reused inside it, including the distinctive statue-menhirs of the Sarcidano. It lies on private land, so ask locally before you go.

Nieddiu nuraghe and sacred well

Of the area's many nuraghi, Nieddiu is the best known, with a Nuragic well temple nearby that was later reinforced in Punic-Roman times.

Bidda Becia and ancient finds

Sa Bidda Becia, “the old village”, preserves traces of Punic and Roman houses, roads and wells. At Sa Conca 'e sa Figu two bronze statuettes were found: a Sardus Pater and a goddess.

Churches

The parish church of San Pietro holds a 17th-century statue of Saint Peter. In the woods stands the church of the Madonna della Strada, built with contributions from the whole community.

Things to do in Nurallao

The Funtana is Arinus park is perfect for a stroll among oaks and Mediterranean scrub, along the Rio Sarcidano stream and its little waterfalls, at their best in winter and spring. Industrial-heritage fans can explore the old quarries and lime kilns. When it is running, the Trenino Verde on the Isili–Sorgono line stops in Nurallao and crosses gorgeous scenery. Take a look below at what local operators offer: guided walks, trekking and archaeological tours are waiting for you.

History

People lived here in the Neolithic and in great numbers in the Nuragic age. The Punic people fortified the area and the Romans occupied it: the inland road between Caralis (Cagliari) and Olbia passed nearby, guarded by the post of Valentia. The village appears in records from 1206 and in the 1388 peace treaty between Eleonora of Arborea and the King of Aragon. After a series of feudal lords, ending with the marquises of Laconi, in the 20th century it lived off clay and kaolin quarrying.

Food and local products

The signature dish is is tallarinus nuraddesus, the village's handmade pasta, celebrated with its own festival. Mutton, cheeses and traditional bread complete the picture. The village is also known for its old craft of making lime, roof tiles and pots.

Festivals and traditions

Easter Monday: open-air tallarinus festival.
May: Sant'Isidoro with the traccas, decorated ox carts, and a mutton festival.
Late June: feast of the patron Saint Peter, with a procession in traditional dress.
Mid-August: pilgrimage to the Madonna della Strada.

Nearby

Isili and Lake San Sebastiano, a few minutes away.
Laconi, with the Aymerich park and menhir museum, about 20 minutes.
The Nuragic sanctuary of Santa Vittoria di Serri, about 20 minutes.
Barumini and UNESCO-listed Su Nuraxi, about 25 minutes.

Getting there and when to go

The nearest airport and ferry port are in Cagliari, about an hour and a quarter by car via the SS128 and SS131. Spring and autumn are best, with green woods and mild weather for walking; in winter the Funtana is Arinus waterfalls are at their finest.