Nuoro
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 23 August 2023
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The city of Nuoro is the capital city of the Province of Nuoro with a population of 36,154 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 554 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 192 km² and lies 163 kilometres north of Cagliari, the regional capital of Sardinia. Occupying a central, inland position, Nuoro is known as a centre of Sardinian culture with a series of museums to visit and a history of attracting artists and writers. |
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One of those writers, D H Lawrence, is perhaps not the biggest advocate of sightseeing in the town; in his 1921 book Sea and Sardinia, he wrote "There's nothing to see in Nuoro", but did follow that up with the interesting caveat that "Happy is the town that has nothing to show", so make of that what you will. Nuoro does of course have some sights; among them are the Cathedral, the Museo d'Arte Provincia di Nuoro (shortened to "MAN"), and Piazza Satta with its open air sculptures.
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Nuoro is a charming town located in the central part of the Italian island of Sardinia. It is the capital of Nuoro Province and holds significant cultural and historical importance.
History
Nuoro has ancient origins, and evidence of human settlements in the area dates back to prehistoric times. Over the centuries, the town was ruled by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Byzantines. In the Middle Ages, it became part of the Giudicato of Torres and later the Kingdom of Sardinia.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Nuoro became a center for Sardinian nationalism and cultural revival. It played a crucial role in preserving Sardinian traditions, customs, and the Sardinian language. Many prominent Sardinian artists, writers, and intellectuals were born in or associated with Nuoro, including Nobel Prize-winning author Grazia Deledda.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Nuoro became a center for Sardinian nationalism and cultural revival. It played a crucial role in preserving Sardinian traditions, customs, and the Sardinian language. Many prominent Sardinian artists, writers, and intellectuals were born in or associated with Nuoro, including Nobel Prize-winning author Grazia Deledda.
Highlights and nearby attractions
- Museo Deleddiano: The Museo Deleddiano is dedicated to the life and works of Grazia Deledda, the first Italian woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. The museum offers insights into her life, her works, and the cultural heritage of Sardinia.
- Historic Centre: The historic center of Nuoro is a delightful area to explore, with narrow winding streets, historic buildings, and charming piazzas. One of the main squares is Piazza Sebastiano Satta, named after the Sardinian poet.
- Sardinian Art and Handicrafts: Nuoro is known for its thriving arts and handicrafts scene. Visitors can find unique Sardinian textiles, ceramics, and woodwork, all showcasing the island's rich artistic heritage.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by mountains and hills, Nuoro offers stunning views of the Sardinian landscapes. The town is an ideal base for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, and exploring the Gennargentu National Park.
- Cuisine: Sardinian cuisine is celebrated for its authentic flavors, and Nuoro is no exception. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes like "culurgiones" (Sardinian ravioli), "porceddu" (roasted suckling pig), and a variety of locally produced cheeses and wines.
- Folklore and Festivals: Nuoro hosts several festivals throughout the year, celebrating Sardinian folklore, religious events, and traditions. The most famous is the "Sagra del Redentore," held in August, featuring colorful parades and traditional dances.
- Monte Ortobene: This mountain overlooking Nuoro offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding landscapes. There is a statue of Christ the Redeemer at the summit, and it's a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Comune di Nuoro
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Province: Nuoro
Region: Sardinia Population: 33,850 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 192 km² Elevation: 554 metres Highlights: cathedral, Museo d'Arte Provincia di Nuoro (MAN) Close by: Burgos, Supramonte, Cala Gonone, Orosei Gulf Recommended accommodation: Hotel Sandalia |
Nuoro Travel
Nuoro's train station is situated east of the city centre, a 15 minute walk (1.2 km) from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Train services from Nuoro are quite limited but you can take the train west to Macomer (1 hour 16 minutes), and then pick up the Trenino Verde, a scenic train route that crosses the interior towards the beautiful town of Bosa on the west coast. To reach Cagliari from Nuoro by public transport there are buses that head south, reaching the capital in 2 hours 39 minutes.
The most convenient airport for Nuoro is Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport which is an hour and 12 minutes away by car (104 km). The next best option is Alghero Fertilia Airport which is slightly further away, a drive of an hour an 45 minutes (149 km). Further away still but with a similar journey time to Alghero Airport is Cagliari Elmas Airport which is an hour and 47 minutes by car, a distance of 175 kilometres.
Just a short distance away from Nuoro there are some great places to visit. To the west lies the hill town of Burgos, but there are even greater rewards to be had by journeying east towards the coast. Pass the Supramonte massif for great mountain views before arriving at the seaside town of Cala Gonone. From here you can take a boat ride along the beautiful Orosei Gulf with its cobalt blue water edging white sandy beaches, among which is Cala Goloritzè, considered to be one of the best on the island.
The most convenient airport for Nuoro is Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport which is an hour and 12 minutes away by car (104 km). The next best option is Alghero Fertilia Airport which is slightly further away, a drive of an hour an 45 minutes (149 km). Further away still but with a similar journey time to Alghero Airport is Cagliari Elmas Airport which is an hour and 47 minutes by car, a distance of 175 kilometres.
Just a short distance away from Nuoro there are some great places to visit. To the west lies the hill town of Burgos, but there are even greater rewards to be had by journeying east towards the coast. Pass the Supramonte massif for great mountain views before arriving at the seaside town of Cala Gonone. From here you can take a boat ride along the beautiful Orosei Gulf with its cobalt blue water edging white sandy beaches, among which is Cala Goloritzè, considered to be one of the best on the island.
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Public transport: central train station, local buses
By train: Macomer - 1 hour 16 minutes |
By car: Oristano - 59 mins (88 km), Sassari - 1 hour 22' (119 km)
Fly to: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport - 1 hour 12' by car (104 km) |
Nuoro Gallery
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