A touch of Pompeii: the ruins of the ancient city of Nora in Sardinia

On the outskirts of Pula in the Cagliari region lies one of Sardinia's most important archaeological sites: founded in the 9th century BC, the city of Nora is probably the oldest large settlement in Sardinia alongside Bosa. Like Bosa, Nora was also founded by the Phoenicians. Later, the Punics settled there and made Nora one of the most important trading centres in the Mediterranean. In the 2nd century, the city was conquered by the Romans, who erected many magnificent buildings there.

Nora's decline began when the Vandals invaded in the 6th century. Eventually, the city was abandoned and left to decay. It was not until 1889 that Nora was rediscovered when the remains of the city were exposed by a spring tide.

The first written mention of the name ‘Sardinia’

Unfortunately, not much has survived from the Phoenician founding period of the city. The most famous evidence of this period is the Stele of Nora with Phoenician inscriptions, which is now in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Cagliari. This inscription mentions the name Sardinia for the first time.

Roman ruins in Nora

Little is known about the Carthaginian settlement of this ancient city in Sardinia. Most of the relics that can be seen in Nora today date back to the Romans, who occupied the city from 238 BC and made it the seat of the Roman governor in Sardinia. In doing so, they almost completely rebuilt the old city. Among other things, the famous theatre, temples and the remains of private villas with magnificent mosaic floors have been preserved from the Roman era.

Nora, the sunken city

Nora is located on a narrow peninsula, and parts of the ancient city are now submerged in the sea.  The water reaches the ruins of the Roman baths and  continues to claim parts of the ancient remains.

You should allow about two hours to visit the site. The Nora archaeological site is open between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., and admission is €5.50 for adults and €2.50 for children under 14. You can either walk along the old Roman roads on your own or join one of the guided tours. Audio guides are also available.

Above the ancient city of Nora, at the tip of the peninsula, stands a 16th-century Saracen tower built on the remains of the Phoenician acropolis. From this vantage point, you have a magnificent view of the entire gulf, the lagoon and the archaeological site of Nora.

After this highly recommended sightseeing programme, there is also plenty of opportunity for relaxation: not far from the archaeological site, Nora beach invites you to take a dip with a view of the picturesque ancient ruins.

Mit einem sardischen “Adiosu” verabschiedet sich für heute

Ihr Joachim Waßmann