What is a nuraghe? – An introduction

Anyone visiting Sardinia for the first time will sooner or later encounter one of these strange stone towers – solitary on a hilltop, surrounded by macchia scrubland or at the edge of an olive grove. Tall, dark, built from basalt or granite blocks without mortar, hollow inside with a spiral staircase. These are nuraghe – and they represent one of the most enigmatic legacies of European prehistory.

A nuraghe (plural: nuraghi, or in English nuraghe towers) is a tower-like megalithic structure built by the so-called Nuragic civilisation between approximately 1800 and 500 BC. With over 7,000 surviving examples – estimates suggest as many as 30,000 originally existed – Sardinia holds the densest concentration of prehistoric monumental architecture in all of Europe. No other people, no other culture, has left behind so many monumental stone structures in such a small geographic area.

What exactly the nuraghe were – fortresses, temples, seats of power, astronomical observatories or a combination of all of these – remains a matter of scholarly debate. What is clear: the Nuragic people were not primitive tribespeople. They were a highly organised society with extensive trade networks across the entire Mediterranean, advanced bronze-working skills and an architectural tradition that arose without written language or metal tools.

History of the Nuragic civilisation

The Nuragic civilisation is not a single homogeneous period but a development spanning more than a thousand years. Archaeologists broadly distinguish three phases:

The Early Phase – Simple Tower Nuraghe (1800–1500 BC)

The earliest nuraghe are simple single towers – circular, built from large unworked stone blocks, with a single chamber and a domed roof constructed using the so-called corbelling technique. Horizontal stone layers are placed progressively inward, tapering toward a stable ceiling – an engineering masterpiece achieved without mortar, formwork or metal instruments. These early towers typically stand 10–15 metres tall and remain structurally sound after 3,500 years.

The Golden Age – Complex Nuraghe (1500–1000 BC)

During the height of Nuragic culture, the most impressive structures appeared: multi-tower complexes with a central keep (mastio), surrounding secondary towers, inner courtyards, wells and entire villages of circular stone huts around the perimeter. The most celebrated example is Su Nuraxi di Barumini – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. From this period also come the famous bronzetti – small bronze figurines of warriors, chieftains, gods and animals, considered among the most significant works of art from European prehistory.

The Decline (1000–500 BC)

With increasing Phoenician and later Carthaginian presence along Sardinia’s coasts, Nuragic culture gradually eroded. Coastal towns came under foreign influence while the nuraghe in the interior continued to be inhabited for centuries longer. The Roman conquest of Sardinia in 238 BC effectively ended the Nuragic civilisation as an independent force – though many towers were still used as shelters, churches and stone quarries well into the medieval period.

The finest nuraghe sites near Cagliari

Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, is not only a vibrant cultural city in its own right – it is also the ideal base for day trips to the island’s most significant nuraghe sites. Most of the following can be reached within 30–90 minutes.

Nuraghe sites near Forte Village Resort

Forte Village Resort lies at Santa Margherita di Pula on Sardinia’s south-western coast – approximately 23 miles from Cagliari. The surrounding area is not only celebrated for its magnificent beaches but for an extraordinary density of prehistoric and ancient sites. Guests of the Forte Village enjoy the rare privilege of combining one of Europe’s finest luxury resorts with some of the most significant archaeological sites in the entire Mediterranean.

Further major nuraghe across Sardinia

Those wishing to explore beyond the south will find spectacular sites across the entire island. Here is a selection of the most significant.

Museums of Nuragic culture

The archaeological finds from the nuraghe are distributed across several museums on the island. A museum visit complements any site tour and places the civilisation in its broader historical context.

Forte Village Resort – luxury meets archaeology

The Forte Village Resort at Santa Margherita di Pula is widely considered one of the finest resorts in Europe, having been awarded “Best Resort in the World” on numerous occasions. It lies on one of Sardinia’s most beautiful sandy beaches, set within a park of eucalyptus and pine – and it is simultaneously the ideal base for nuraghe tours in the surrounding area.

The combination of a world class resort and the proximity of Nuraghe Antigori and the ancient city of Nora makes Forte Village one of those rare destinations where relaxation and genuine cultural depth are simultaneously possible. The resort organises guided excursions to the principal sites on request – including Su Nuraxi – for guests who wish to explore Sardinia’s prehistoric heritage without the effort of independent planning.

Flights to Sardinia from the UK, US & Europe

Sardinia has three international airports. For Cagliari and Forte Village, Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG) is the natural choice – just 4 miles from the city centre and 23 miles from Forte Village Resort.

Ferries to Sardinia – routes & operators

For travellers arriving by car, or those who simply love the experience of sailing into a harbour at dawn, the overnight ferry is one of the Mediterranean’s great pleasures. Sardinia is served by several Italian and French ports.

Car hire – essential for nuraghe tours

For nuraghe tours, a hire car is absolutely necessary. Most sites lie away from public transport routes, on farm tracks or in small villages with no bus connections. Su Nuraxi, Nuraghe Arrubiu and Serra Orrios are practically impossible to reach without a vehicle.

Suggested nuraghe touring routes by hire car

Practical information – everything you need to know

Entry requirements