Nurallao: Nature, Archaeology and Tallarinus

Around Nurallao, nature, archaeological remains and industrial history are distinct themes. Funtana is Arinus highlights the natural landscape, while the giants’ tomb, Roman remains and lime kilns offer different historical perspectives. Is tallarinus adds a local dish passed down through generations. If you’re looking for a hotel in Nurallao, these highlights can help you decide what you’d like your trip to focus on.

Forest and waterfall

Funtana is Arinus is a wooded park in the hills of the historic Sarcidano region, a few kilometres from the centre of Nurallao. Oaks, holm oaks and Mediterranean maquis make up the vegetation. Oaks and holm oaks stand alongside Mediterranean maquis, a type of scrubland.

At Funtana is Arinus, the Rio Sarcidano forms the 20-metre-high Su Craddaxioleddu waterfall. A marked forest trail leads to the main waterfall and smaller cascades. The landscape therefore includes both a specifically named waterfall and other cascades.

Archaeological traces and dates

The giants’ tomb of Aiodda lies in the area around Nurallao and was excavated archaeologically in 1979. It dates to the 15th century BC and has the distinctive shape of an upside-down boat. Its shape and date offer different points of reference: the boat-like form describes the tomb’s appearance, while the century places it in its historical context.

The Roman remains at Sa Bidda Becia include houses, streets and wells from a village. This site therefore differs from a single tomb: the remains described include various parts of the village. The Nuragic sacred spring temple of Nieddìu is located in a wooded area. A Roman-era village and a Nuragic sanctuary thus appear as distinct archaeological themes.

The SAN – Spazio Archeologico Nurallao houses finds from Roman burials uncovered in 2000 in the locality of Aravoras. If you’re planning a visit to the SAN, check the current opening hours in advance. The baths of Cannedu date from the 1st to the 3rd century AD. Compared with Aiodda’s 15th-century BC date, they show the range of periods represented by the sites.

Industrial history and local cuisine

The lime kilns of Nurallao preserve the memory of an earlier working tradition. Funtan’e Susu is an industrial archaeology site associated with the disused quarries of Niachili. These themes broaden the picture beyond ancient sites: they concern working traditions and industrial archaeology.

Is tallarinus is a traditional dish from Nurallao, with a recipe passed down through generations. Thin, handmade spaghetti is first cooked in meat broth and then baked in the oven with cheese and saffron. This sequence defines the dish: cooking in broth is followed by baking with cheese and saffron. If local cuisine is a factor in choosing your destination, Is tallarinus is a distinctive culinary feature of Nurallao.

Discover more destinations: Quartucciu, Orroli, Muravera, Serdiana, La Maddalena, San Priamo, Sant'Isidoro, Olia Speciosa

For the overview of the wider area: Cagliari.