Isili: Nuraghe Is Paras and Prehistoric Heritage

Isili combines prehistoric remains and historic buildings with a landscape of fertile valleys and gently rolling, cultivated hills. If you’re looking for a hotel in Isili, these local highlights can help guide your choice of destination: in addition to archaeological sites, the town offers activities on the lake, among the rocks and along a disused railway line.

Prehistoric Sites and Their History

Nuraghe Is Paras stands on a small marl rise at an elevation of 505 metres, just beyond the town’s northern edge. Its central chamber is twelve metres high. The settlement history of the nuraghe also stretches far back: its phases begin in the Late Bronze Age (1,330–1,150 BC) and continue through the Final Bronze Age into the Early Iron Age (1,150–900 BC). Its location, architecture and historical context offer visitors different points of interest, from its striking structure to its long settlement phases.

Isili is one of Sardinia’s most important centres for the production of prehistoric anthropomorphic statues. To date, 51 menhir statues from the Bell Beaker culture have been recovered in the area; they date to between 2,100 and 1,900 BC. In addition, seven Domus de Janas have been documented in Isili. Their architecture points to a Late Neolithic horizon associated with the Ozieri culture, between 3,200 and 2,850 BC. At the Domus de Janas Is Tanas ‘e Mrexani, near the Belvedere, two burials lie side by side: one with a single chamber and one with two chambers. Isili therefore brings together different forms of prehistoric remains, from menhir statues to burial sites.

Churches and Notable Places

The parish church of San Saturnino also brings together several building phases. It was built in the 14th century and later altered in the Gothic-Aragonese style. Its marble main altar dates from 1780. The church of San Sebastiano, in turn, stands on a limestone spur that became an island after the construction of the artificial Is Borrocus dam. Here, the building, rock formation and dam together shape the history of the site.

Landscape and Activities

The Monte Simudis municipal recreation park is a wooded area crisscrossed by several trails. A different kind of landscape can be found at the rocks known as “Le falesie” on the Rio Corrigas: they offer more than 300 climbing routes of varying difficulty. The number of routes and climbing conditions may change as individual sectors are developed and maintained.

Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, dragon boat and sport fishing are possible on Lake San Sebastiano. Check local conditions before taking part. The disused railway line from Sarcidano station towards Villacidro can be used for walks and mountain biking. The surface and access may vary; take these conditions into account when planning your visit.

Another, different kind of experience may be available on request: demonstrations by a coppersmith can take place in the reconstructed craft workshop at the Maraté Museum. Confirm availability before you travel. This means Isili offers a range of options, from outdoor activities to an insight into traditional crafts.

The highlights can be distinguished briefly when choosing a destination: prehistoric sites and churches make up the cultural side, while the lake, rocks and former railway line offer a variety of activities.

Discover more destinations: Sitò, Vallermosa, Quartu Sant'elena, Flumini, San Sperate, Siliqua, Sant'Isidoro, Olia Speciosa

For the broader travel overview: Cagliari.