Area archeologica di Nora

About the museum

Nora is considered the first city of Sardinia. According to the managing body it was founded by the Phoenicians between the 9th and 8th centuries BC on the promontory of Capo di Pula, between sea and ponds, and later became a flourishing Punic and Roman trading centre, a meeting point of peoples and Mediterranean routes. The Stele di Nora was found here, which contains the oldest known attestation of the name of Sardinia.

The site preserves the Phoenician necropolis, the Punic tophet, the temple of Tanit, residential quarters with mosaic-decorated houses, paved streets, baths with mosaics of the 2nd to 4th centuries AD and the 1st-century BC Roman theatre, the only one on the island still used today for performances. The city was abandoned in the 8th century AD.

Systematic excavations began in 1952 and continue today with research campaigns carried out by universities and scientific institutions. The archaeological park is promoted by the Fondazione Pula Cultura Diffusa, set up by the Comune di Pula, which organises guided tours, educational workshops, experiences and a summer festival.

Highlights

• Roman theatre still used for summer performances
• Baths with mosaics from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD
• Temple of Tanit, tophet and Phoenician necropolis
• Route with 28 panels with infographics and QR codes (3D images, audio and LIS)
• Virtual tour with virtual reality headsets
• Spanish tower of Coltellazzo with views over the lagoon

Permanent exhibition

• Percorso archeologico di Nora – Route through the ruins of the Phoenician, Punic and Roman city, with the theatre, mosaic baths, temples and residential quarters.

Operated by

Fondazione Pula Cultura Diffusa (Comune di Pula)

Admission & discounts

Advance online purchase is recommended to enter more quickly. Reduced ticket €7.50, also for cruise passengers and FAI members. Free admission also for journalists, tourist guides and cultural heritage officials.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The 28 panels of the route have QR codes that link to 3D images, audio descriptions and content in LIS (Italian Sign Language).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The operator offers educational workshops for children and families, with hands-on activities suited to different ages.

Getting there & parking

The site is in the territory of Pula, a few kilometres from Cagliari.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Private and exclusive visits at sunset for events on request; the Roman theatre hosts performances and series in summer.

Plan your visit