Nora is located inside the Pula Archaeological Park. It has been one of the most important Sardinian cities during ancient times and it is still considered one of the best-preserved, most important historical sites on the whole island. If you are traveling around South Sardinia, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Lucky for you I have been to Nora many times – it’s an easy day trip from Cagliari, and this is one of my favorite archeological sites on the island so I go whenever friends are visiting.
In fact, this city of Nuragic origins has been inhabited by several populations throughout the centuries. Each of them contributed to making it unique and keeping its central role in the Mediterranean sea.
Several teams of archaeologists have been working on excavations and studying the city since about the late 1800s.
There is a ton of beautiful Roman mosaics underwater, and you can see them if you go on a snorkeling tour!
Curious to know more about this city and how to get there to see it with your own eyes? Keep reading and I’ll give you all the information you’ll need!
Where Is Nora?
Your first question will likely be “where is Nora?”
Nora is located in Southern Sardinia, in a promontory just a few kilometers from Cagliari.
The site is right next to the sea and partially submerged (it was first casually discovered because of a storm surge which brought out an ancient cemetery!). It’s the perfect mix between the breathtaking Sardinian beaches and a history-filled city with 3000 years on its shoulders.
Nora History
The city of Nora was founded by the Nuragic people and there are still some Nuraghe in its proximity. It reached its golden age a little later when Punic people built a new city with the Nuraghe’s remains.
Nora was the crucial exchange point for every merchant who wanted to sell their goods to Sardinia and was therefore well-known by the people of that age.
The most important relic we have from that period is the Stele di Nora, a stone tablet written in an alphabet very similar to the Phoenician-Punic one which is proof of the inhabitants’ constant contact with their motherland.
The stone tablet is the most ancient written document in all western civilization (VIII century BC). You will be able to see it in Cagliari National Archaeological Museum – one of the best museums in Sardinia. It’s also the first-ever relic with the name Sardinia (Shrdn) written on it, making it a priceless historic find.
After winning the Punic Wars, Romans began to colonize Punic cities, and Nora city was one of those. Starting from the V century BC, Nora city became a flourishing Roman colony and, during the Imperial Era, it counted around 8000 inhabitants.
Roman buildings and relics are easy to find in the area, with an abundance of private houses adding to the numerous religious and public structures: another sign that Nora was at its peak now.
Nora city began its decline around 500 AC. Its inhabitants completely abandoned it in the 8th century because of barbarian and pirates’ constant incursions. The slow but unstoppable rise of the sea level contributed to its depopulation as well.
What To See In Nora Archeological Site
There is quite a bit to see when you visit Nora. Nora archeological site is quite large, by Sardinian standards! Here is what you should make a point to see when visiting Nora.
Tanit Temple
On a hill in the middle of Nora Archeological site, you can see a structure that is commonly acknowledged as the Tanit Temple. Previously thought to be a fort of some sort, more recent studies agree on the hypothesis that it served a religious role rather than a defensive one.
Unfortunately, time and the following civilizations haven’t kept the temple in good shape. Nowadays, only the base structure and a pyramid-shaped, 56 cm tall stone (thought to be the altar) can be seen.
Tophet
You can also still admire the original Tophet (cemetery), which has partially gone underwater. The Stele of Nora was found here. The Tophet served as a cemetery and as a generally sacred area devoted to the Punic Gods Tanit and Baal; it was, like most Tophets, located slightly outside the city.
Terme di Levante
As soon as you enter the site, you can see a thermal complex (Terme di Levante). It is not the only one in the area. The city was, in fact, famous for its beautiful thermal baths. Four of them are still visible, though in different states of preservation.
The other three are called Piccole Terme, Terme a mare and Terme Centrali.
Roman Streets and Forum
Once you begin to stroll on the eternal, unbreakable Roman streets, you can see several public buildings.
The Forum, a very wide court, was the beating heart of Roman politics, which shows once again the importance of the city in the island.
The aqueduct complex was essential to the private houses as well as to the public places (especially the thermal baths).
There’s also an amphitheater that’s yet to be fully excavated and, most important of all, the theater (Teatro Romano).
The Theater
This is the only Roman Theater in all of Sardinia and is extraordinarily well-preserved. It’s still used for concerts and shows during the summer.
Built in Nora city center, close to the Forum and the Tanit Hill, it was an essential meeting place for the locals throughout the centuries. For this reason, it was constantly repaired and modified, causing some irreparable damage as well.
It is commonly thought that, during the Roman era, the theater could host between 1000 and 1200 people.
Santuario di Esculapio
Another extremely important building in the site is the Santuario di Esculapio. It was built on a previously sacred Punic area, on the southern far end of the peninsula.
You will notice the different building styles when you’ll visit it. The temple has been used throughout all the Punic, Roman Republican, and Roman Imperial eras.
There is much more to see than the few sites I mentioned, but let’s now find out how to visit.
Practical Information
Nora tickets
Nora tickets cost €8 for adults. Kids under 6 years of age can visit the site for free; whereas visitors who are up to 18 years old pay €4.50.
You can purchase your tickets online on the official website. Once you get there, you will have the chance of joining a guided tour in one of the languages offered (including English, obviously).
Groups of more than 20 people must book in advance by sending an email to [email protected].
How to get to Nora
You have several options to get to Nora – so whether you are driving or using public transportation you have the option of visiting this beautiful site.
BY CAR: From Cagliari, take SS 195 towards Pula-Teulada, drive for around 30 km (18.6 miles). Once you reach Pula city center, Nora is just another 3 km (1.8 miles) away. Total driving time: around 45 mins.
BY BUS: From Cagliari ARST station, in Piazza Matteotti, take the bus to Pula (Bus Cagliari-Sant’Anna Arresi). There’s one every hour. Once you’re in Pula, you will find a shuttle bus called “pollicino” that will bring you to Nora in around ten minutes. Shuttle buses run roughly every hour from 7:13 am to around 6:00 pm.
If you are coming from Cagliari and don’t have a car and prefer not using public transportation, you could consider this guided tour of Nora that includes a transfer to the site and a local guide.
Nora Opening Hours
Opening hours vary throughout the year, but you can check them on the official website – the site is in Italian only, but self explanatory. You can find the opening hours at the very bottom of the page.
Other Useful Information
Please make a not of this other important information:
- You must not walk on the mosaics and to touch the walls.
- Visitors can’t enter the site wearing only a swimming suit.
- Dogs can enter only if kept on a leash.
Other Nearby Places to Visit
Not far from Nora Ancient City you will find other interesting places to visit, to make this a full day trip. Here they are:
NORA BEACH – Famous for the cliffs that keep its water crystal clear and always calm, blocking the strong winds.
SANT’EFISIO CHURCH – A Romanic Church which is an important part of the Sant’Efisio rituals that are celebrated each May in Cagliari and Pula.
TORRE DEL COLTELLAZZO – A fort specifically built to protect the area from pirates.
Further Readings
Make sure to read my other posts:
- A Quick Guide To Sant’Efisio Festival
- A Quick Guide To Su Nuraxi, Barumini
- A Quick Guide To Tharros Archeological Site
- The History Of Sardinia And Where To Discover It
- What You Should Know Before Traveling To Sardinia
- 10 Absolutely Unmissable Things To Do In Sardinia
- The Most Captivating Castles In Sardinia
- 9 Sardinian Mines You’ll Enjoy Visiting
Pin It For Later!
Yes. I actually wrote it in the post!
Grazie! Do you need reservations, or is it easy to get the day you visit?
If you don’t need transportation, you can find a guide on the site.
Buongiorno Claudia,
My wife and I are planning to stay at the Sant’Efis resort from 26 April to 1 May. Do you have recommendations on how we can get an English guide for Nora from the Pula area? All I can find are tours leaving from Cagliari.
Grazie,
Aaron
Thank you! Looking forward to the adventure!
My understanding is that it runs all year. It most likely will be there in October, anyways. The bus stops in Piazza Municipio in Pula.
Hi Claudia,
Thank you for all the useful information about Nora! I will be in Cagliari in mid October, does this “pollicino” bus run at that time of year? And where in Pula does it stop? Is there some information about actual times? Perhaps a website? I’ve been looking but can’t find anything.
Thank you! Joyce
I have never heard of it! The most famous in the area is the Forte Village, in Santa Margherita – there are various hotels inside the resort, for different budgets.
We are planning our first trip to Sardinia and your pages are fabulous! We are now adding Nora to the trip and wonder if you can recommend where to stay. Hotel Baiadinora says it’s the best one. True?