Pauli Arbarei: Nuraghi, Churches and Rural Landscapes

Pauli Arbarei combines the typical Marmilla landscape with a townscape in which local architectural forms, churches and evidence of the Nuragic period come together. Agriculture, festivals and regional dishes are also among the defining themes of the town. For those interested in culture, this means that religious buildings, local architecture, a museum and archaeology stand alongside rural traditions.

Landscape and rural character

The typical Marmilla landscape of Pauli Arbarei consists of a harmonious alternation of fertile plains and gentle hills. The local economic base is strongly shaped by agriculture and livestock farming. Grain and legume cultivation, as well as sheep and goat farming, are significant. This rural character is reflected in the regional festivals and dishes.

Town Centre and Churches

In the centre of Pauli Arbarei, there are houses made of local stone with the “sa lolla” architectural style typical of Bassa Marmilla and high stone walls. Two churches complement the townscape: the Chiesa di Sant'Agostino dates from 1421, while the Chiesa di San Vincenzo dates from the mid-17th century.

The Nuragic Period around Pauli Arbarei

Several specific sites are located in Pauli Arbarei or nearby. Nuraghe Nuraxi Passeri stands in Pauli Arbarei on the Nuraghe Route that runs through Sardinia. In the Is Lapidas area of Pauli Arbarei, there are numerous traces of settlements from the Nuragic period. Nuraghe Seneri is located near Pauli Arbarei; the Nuragic settlement of Corti Baccas is also nearby. For spatial planning purposes, a distinction must therefore be made between the sites within the town, the Is Lapidas area and the nearby sites.

Museum and Local History

The Museo della Donna in Pauli Arbarei conveys the town's past through the voices of the women who experienced it.

Festivals throughout the Year

The Sant'Isidoro festival takes place on 15 May. It includes a procession in which farmers take part with festively decorated tractors, and is held every year. The festival of Santa Monica, Sant'Agostino and San Giovanni Battista in Pauli Arbarei lasts three, sometimes four days. Those wishing to plan their stay around a festival can count on 15 May for Sant'Isidoro and three, sometimes four days for the other festival.

Agriculture and Regional Dishes

The Sagra della Pecora takes place on 29 August. It is an old festival dedicated to sheep and offers dishes made with typical meats and cheeses from the region. Its theme is directly connected with sheep farming, which, alongside goat farming, is part of the local livestock industry. Grain and legumes form the second agricultural focus, while the Sagra places the emphasis on meat and cheese. For annual planning, this results in two fixed calendar dates—15 May and 29 August—as well as a festival lasting three, sometimes four days.

Further travel destinations: Villamar, Turri, Gesturi, Barumini, Ingurtosu, Guspini, Collinas, Sanluri

To the higher-level travel overview: Medio Campidano.