Embark on a private tour of the Nora Archaeological Site and explore the ancient Roman ruins of the first Sardinian Phoenician City. Discover the rich history and artistic techniques of the Mediterranean population on this unforgettable excursion.
Embark on a private tour of the Nora Archaeological Site and explore the ancient Roman ruins of the first Sardinian Phoenician City. Discover the rich history and artistic techniques of the Mediterranean population on this unforgettable excursion.
- Bitan - Daily Tours - Departing from Chia, the journey to Nora takes approximately 20 minutes.
- Area Archeologica di Nora - As the first Phoenician city in Sardinia, established in the 8th century BC, Nora was a vital commercial hub and port, strategically located on the isthmus of Capo Pula, allowing for sailing in any weather. The city…
- Bitan - Daily Tours - Departing from Chia, the journey to Nora takes approximately 20 minutes.
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Area Archeologica di Nora - As the first Phoenician city in Sardinia, established in the 8th century BC, Nora was a vital commercial hub and port, strategically located on the isthmus of Capo Pula, allowing for sailing in any weather. The city flourished in the 4th century BC under Punic rule and was conquered by the Romans in 238 BC, becoming a municipium in the 1st century AD. Over the next two centuries, it reached its peak with urban expansion and a population of eight thousand, serving as the starting point for all island roads. Visitors can explore the captivating remains at the archaeological park of Pula, just minutes from the tourist center, and view artifacts at the Patroni Museum. Snorkeling at Punta del Coltellazzo reveals Roman roads and remnants beneath the isthmus, overlooked by a 16th-century tower.
Roman structures largely overshadowed Phoenician-Punic evidence. Excavations began in 1889 when a coastal storm uncovered a Phoenician-Punic cemetery (Tophet), revealing the Temple of Tanit, a Carthaginian goddess, and the Nora Stone, housed in the Museo Archeologico di Cagliari (National Archaeological Museum). This stele, the oldest Western document, mentions Shrdn, Sardinia, for the first time. The Tophet is near the Little Romanesque church, the site of the martyrdom of the warrior saint celebrated annually during Sagra di Sant’Efisio, to whom the Pula community is particularly devoted.
At the park entrance, remnants of the thermal baths that made Nora famous can be seen. Stroll along the cobbled streets to reach the heart of the ancient city: Piazza del Foro. Nearby is a temple with a six-column entrance hall (pronao), and to the north, the necropolis and aqueduct. Along the coast, discover a nobleman’s residence, the house of tetrastyle atrium from the 3rd century AD, featuring a four-column portico and mosaic-lined rooms (don’t miss “Nereid on a marine centaur”). Continue to the main attraction, the amphitheater: originally marble-lined, it had twenty terraces and seated one thousand people. Today, it hosts the La Notte dei Poeti festival. To the south, Aesculapius’s sanctuary, with a mosaic-lined terrace from the 4th century, possibly used for incubation rituals seeking divine remedies. This is the last grand structure, as Nora began to decline in the 5th century. - Pula - The tour also includes a visit to the nearby town of Pula, a hidden gem in southern Sardinia, featuring charming alleys and patrician homes. It’s an ideal place to find the perfect souvenir, with numerous craft shops, and if time permits, enjoy a meal at one of the traditional restaurants. Throughout this remarkable experience, the guide will ensure a personalized tour.
- Chia - The local guide is dedicated to making the tour personal and engaging, sharing expertise and entertaining anecdotes before returning guests to their hotel.

- Tickets included
- Complimentary bottled water
- Transport via air-conditioned minivan
- Free on-board Wi-Fi (subject to availability)
- Skip-the-line access
- Pick-up and drop-off in Domus de Maria and Chia area
- Exclusive private tour experience
- Tickets included
- Complimentary bottled water
- Transport via air-conditioned minivan
- Free on-board Wi-Fi (subject to availability)
- Skip-the-line access
- Pick-up and drop-off in Domus de Maria and Chia area
- Exclusive private tour experience
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Embark on a journey through the preserved Roman ruins of Nora, Sardinia’s premier Phoenician city. Be engulfed by the aura of a vibrant past, seen through features like the theatre, thermal baths, patrician homes, marketplace, and tower. Wander through the amazing streets and unearth ancient urban and artistic techniques used by the inhabitants of the…
Embark on a journey through the preserved Roman ruins of Nora, Sardinia’s premier Phoenician city. Be engulfed by the aura of a vibrant past, seen through features like the theatre, thermal baths, patrician homes, marketplace, and tower. Wander through the amazing streets and unearth ancient urban and artistic techniques used by the inhabitants of the Mediterranean.
Sardinia is etched with history, brought to life by the remains left behind by a civilization dating back around 3,000 years. This exciting tour provides a chance to witness these relics, enjoy a well-guided visit to Nora, and uncover the beauty of the hidden town of Pula.
- Please be aware that beyond the time limit of the cancellation policy, it is not possible to amend or cancel bookings in any way, including health conditions.
- The excursion will not be cancelled and refunds will not be issued because it rains
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.