Barumini between Su Nuraxi, Casa Zapata and Giara
Accommodation in Barumini
Barumini is a destination for you if you want to discover Sardinian history not only through individual monuments, but also through their connection with museums, archaeology and the landscape. Su Nuraxi, Casa Zapata and the Giara each offer a different focus: a prehistoric nuragic complex, a museum covering several subject areas, and basalt plateaus offering opportunities for outdoor activities and nature observation.
File:Nuraghe Su Nuraxi - Barumini - Sardinia - Italy - 05.jpg
Photo: Norbert Nagel via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Su Nuraxi and nuragic architecture
UNESCO describes Su Nuraxi di Barumini as the most outstanding and complete example of the prehistoric architectural form of the nuraghi. The archaeological site was inhabited from the construction of the nuraghe in the 2nd millennium BC until the 3rd century AD.
Casa Zapata: museum and archaeological insights
Casa Zapata was built in the 16th century by the Aragonese Zapata family. The Polo-Museale Casa Zapata is a museum that brings together history, archaeology and ethnography. Beneath the floor of Casa Zapata lies the complex nuraghe Su Nuraxi ’e Cresia, which has been made visible through walkways and glass floors. The Polo-Museale Casa Zapata also houses the Museo Regionale delle Launeddas, a small section dedicated to the ancient Sardinian musical instrument known as the launeddas.
The historical and archival section of Casa Zapata displays important documents from the archives of the Zapata family and the community of Barumini. At the Laboratorio di Scavo e Restauro, an “open excavation” allows residents and tourists to observe the work of archaeologists at close range.
Further historical sites in the surrounding area
Beyond Su Nuraxi and Casa Zapata, you will also find several historical and archaeological sites in the area around Barumini. These include the ancient site of Area Archeologica Del Nuraghe Sa Fogaia, the Museo Civico Archeologico Genna Maria and the historical site of Nuraghe Fattu. The ruins of Castello della Marmilla o di Las Plassas are also located in the immediate vicinity of Barumini.
The Giara and the landscape around Barumini
The landscape includes the basalt plateaus of the Giara. In the immediate vicinity of Barumini, they offer opportunities for trekking and cycling. Giara horses can be observed there among ancient cork oaks, downy oaks, holm oaks, Mediterranean maquis and temporary ponds. The mountain of Pitza Sinai, Monte Maiori and Pizzu Arrubiu are also located around Barumini. Further afield in the region around Barumini lies the mountain of Bruncu Mannu.
Practical visitor information
A guided tour is required to visit Su Nuraxi; tours are offered in Italian, English and French. At Su Nuraxi, the languages offered provide guidance for planning your visit.
Further destinations
For further orientation: Lunamatrona, Villacidro, Sant'antonio Di Santadi, Marina Di Gutturu Flumini, Gesturi, Furtei, Portu Maga, Collinas
To the main travel overview: Medio Campidano.
