Things to do in Tuili
Things to do in Tuili, Sardinia: the Master of Castelsardo altarpiece, Villa Asquer museums, the Giara and its wild horses, Barumini and tips.
We are gathering the first experiences for this area. Check back soon, or tell us about an operator you know.
Tuili is a village in the Marmilla, in south-central Sardinia, at the foot of the Giara plateau and a stone's throw from Barumini and its UNESCO-listed nuraghe. It holds one of the masterpieces of Sardinian painting, the altarpiece by the Master of Castelsardo, elegant 19th-century villas with museums, and one of the easiest gateways to the Giara and its wild horses. It's perfect for families and lovers of art and nature, about an hour's drive from Cagliari.
What to see in Tuili
San Pietro church and its altarpiece
The Gothic-Catalan parish church of San Pietro Apostolo was consecrated in 1489. In the first chapel on the right is the altarpiece by the Master of Castelsardo, painted around 1500: a large retable about 5.5 by 3.5 metres, considered one of the masterpieces of Renaissance painting in Sardinia, with gold backgrounds and finely drawn figures. The church also holds a Pentecost altarpiece from 1534, an 18th-century organ, a Baroque pulpit and a late 18th-century high altar.
Villa Asquer and Villa Pitzalis
Two neoclassical villas stand out in the old centre. Villa Asquer houses the olive and olive oil museum and the museum of traditional Sardinian musical instruments, including the launeddas, an ancient reed pipe. Villa Pitzalis is another elegant manor house gracing the old centre.
The Giara of Tuili
Part of the Giara plateau belongs to Tuili. On top you'll find wind-bent cork oaks, the large pond of Pauli Majori, one of the biggest seasonal paulis, and the Punta Zepparedda viewpoint. This is home to the Giara horses, small wild horses unique in Europe, along with hares, foxes, martens and birds of prey such as goshawks, peregrine falcons and buzzards.
Sardegna in Miniatura
On the road to Barumini is the Sardegna in Miniatura theme park, which tells the island's story through models of monuments, nuraghi and landscapes, a favourite with children.
Things to do in Tuili
The perfect day starts with a Giara excursion on foot, by bike or by 4x4 with a guide, looking for the horses near the paulis. The trails are flat and suitable for little ones too. Back in the village, see the altarpiece and the villas, then finish at nearby Su Nuraxi in Barumini. Traditional music fans will find at Villa Asquer a rare chance to discover the launeddas. Check out the experiences offered by local operators below and book your excursion.
History
The area was inhabited in nuragic times and later became a Roman centre; legend says the name comes from Tulliola, sister of a praetor of Usellus. In the Middle Ages the village, set in very fertile land, belonged to the Judicate of Arborea, on the border with the Judicate of Cagliari. Under Aragon it was given in fief to the Doria, then the De Doni and other families, down to the Ripoll-Sanjust, counts of Tuili. With the end of feudalism in the 19th century it became a municipality.
What to eat and buy
The Marmilla is a land of wheat, olives and pasture: expect home-baked bread, extra virgin olive oil, sheep's cheeses, roast meats, bean soups and almond sweets. Olive oil, also celebrated in the Villa Asquer museum, is the most typical souvenir, along with local cheeses.
Festivals and traditions
- Sant'Antonio Abate (late July): the village's main festival, with religious rites, music and Sardinian dancing.
- Sardinian musical tradition, with the launeddas, lives on in the museum and at festivals.
Nearby
- Su Nuraxi at Barumini, a UNESCO site, a few minutes' drive.
- Gesturi, with the Bruncu Madugui proto-nuraghe and Brother Nicola's house.
- Las Plassas, with the Marmilla castle on its conical hill.
- Villanovaforru and Nuraghe Genna Maria, about 20 minutes.
Getting there and when to go
Cagliari airport and port are about an hour's drive away: take the SS131 to Sanluri, then continue towards Barumini and Tuili. Spring is the best season, when the paulis are full, the meadows bloom and the horses gather near the ponds; autumn is pleasant too. In summer it's hot and the ponds dry up, so head up to the Giara early in the morning.
FAQ
Is Tuili good for families?
Yes: between the Giara horses, Sardegna in Miniatura and the Barumini nuraghe, kids have plenty to discover.
How long do I need for Tuili?
One day for the Giara and the village; two days if you want to add Barumini and other Marmilla villages.
Where is the Master of Castelsardo altarpiece?
In the first chapel on the right of the parish church of San Pietro, in the village centre.
