Nuoro

Solemnly bowed in front of the souring granite columns of Ortobene Mountain rises Nuoro. The capital of Barbagia stands at 600m above sea level and dominates the surroundings.

Her cultural richness, historical legacy (Gracia Deledda lived here) and economic power granted her the title of “sardinian Athen”. The roots of the city are as long and tortuous as its paved streets: the region was inhabited since prehistoric times.

Several freedom wars made the history of Nuoro and this reflects well the independent character of the inhabitants. When Romans invaded, the natives depopulated the province by running to the tops of the Ortobene

Nel Medioevo gli spagnoli dominano a lungo, con la città oramai sede vescovile dal XI secolo.

In the Middle Ages the Spaniards ruled, the city being at this point the diocese's site. Again under the Savoy there were riots and blood, testimony of the spirit of the people; banditism was severe here. In 1836 then Carlo Alberto raised the town to the city rank, preparing it for cultural harmonization some decades later.
The vibrating economy of Nuoro is made by agriculture, livestock and culture. The ancient town is divided into its four ancient historical districts; among these, Seuna and Santo Pedru are the most important ones.

Jumping from one historical cafè to the other, stop for a moment at the deleddian museum, the Santa Maria della Neve cathedral or the museum of Life and Sardinian Popular Traditions: these three gems of the Nuoro’s culture are all only a few steps from the center.
Finally, Mountain Ortobene awaits the most adventurous with its panoramic vistas, while the surroundings of the city offer many archeological sites to visit (among which 32 nuraghi and the Tombs of Giants). Be assured, you won’t forget Nuoro so easily!

Nostra Signora delle Grazie Sanctuary

Nicola Manca erected the shrine at the end of the XVII century after the finding of an archaic wooden Virgin figurine by a barbagian shepherd. The legend tells that this statuette saved the town from the plague. The older building, standing in the Seuna district, was then renovated in the 50’. Here the mysterious figurine still remains for you to be seen.

Monte Ortobene – Redentore

On the top of Monte Ortobene stands the Redemptor bronze statue, more than 4m high, made by the napolitan sculptor Vincenzo Jerace. Created for the 1901 Jubilee, the masterpiece dominates Nuoro from a peak almost 1000 m high. Vincenzo engraved under the palm of the hand a poignant dedication to his wife Luisa, who died while he was working.

Santu Predu

The historical center Santu Pedru is the heart of Nuoro. The “shepherds’ neighborhood” is cornered between Piazza Sebastiano Satta, with its mysterious statues, and the cathedral Santa Maria della Neve. Don’t forget to stop at the house of the sardinian writer Grazia Deledda too! It is a museum now, and can be visited.

Sebastiano Satta Square

In 1967 the architect Costantino Nivola created the square dedicated to the poet on request of the municipality of Nuoro. The floor slabs and the white houses all around reminiscent of the archaic Barbagia style. The enchanting piazza is made to be lived, not only seen: come walking among the vertical boulders that constellate its center, hosting figurines of the poet to which it is dedicated.

MAN Museum of Art of Nuoro

Grazia Deledda Museum

The Grazia Deledda Museum is a charming place dedicated to the famous Sardinian writer and Nobel Prize winner for literature. The museum houses a vast collection of personal items and historical documents that tell the story of Deledda's life and work. The exhibits are arranged in an engaging and captivating way, providing a comprehensive view of her life and works. Thanks to the beauty of the museum and the professionalism of the staff, a visit here is an unforgettable experience for literature lovers.

Cathedral of Santa Maria of Neve

The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Neve stands in Nuoro, in central Sardinia, on the site of an old church that was demolished to build the present cathedral on top of it. It dates from the early part of the 1800s and features a neoclassical style; the facade is reminiscent of a classical temple and is characterized by two bell towers on either side of the church.

This structure leads one to believe that the interior of the building has 3 naves, partly due to its grandeur. Thanks to its recent age, light reflects a lot on the walls creating a very bright space. This enhances the effect created by the alternation of white marble and polychrome slabs.

The feast dedicated to Mary of the Snow, who is also the patron saint of the city, is celebrated on August 5.

Costume Museum of Nuoro

The Costume Museum of Nuoro is a unique cultural institution that preserves and promotes Sardinian tradition through the exhibition of costumes, jewelry, and local crafts.

The museum provides an in-depth view of Sardinian culture and traditions, with a particular focus on the richness of textiles and craftsmanship. Thanks to the beauty of the museum and the expertise of the guides, a visit here is a unique and unforgettable experience.

MAN Museum of Art of Nuoro

The Museum of Art of Nuoro, known as MAN, is a cultural gem in Sardinia.

Here, contemporary and traditional artworks that represent the essence of the island are exhibited. The museum's galleries are arranged in an intelligent and engaging way, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Sardinian art. The knowledgeable staff is always available to provide detailed information about each exhibited artwork. A visit to MAN is a unique experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Sardinian culture