Area archeologica di Tharros

About the museum

Tharros stands on the peninsula of Capo San Marco, in the Sinis, and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Sardinia. The city was founded between the 8th and 7th centuries BC, and in the Punic period it became one of the main trading centres of the western Mediterranean, thanks to its strategic position on the sea.

The archaeological area preserves traces of the civilisations that succeeded one another in the territory, from the Nuragic to the Punic and Roman. Among the ruins can still be seen the temple with Doric half-columns, the paved roads in basalt, the aqueduct and the Roman baths.

The settlement continued to be inhabited in the Early Christian and medieval periods, until its final abandonment in 1071, when the episcopal see was moved to Oristano, the new capital of the Giudicato di Arborea. Today the site is managed by the Cooperativa Penisola del Sinis, which also organises guided tours; in summer it hosts events, festivals and concerts.

Highlights

• Temple with Doric half-columns
• Paved roads in basalt
• Aqueduct and baths of the Roman period
• Panoramic position over the sea of Capo San Marco
• Guided visit in Italian included in the ticket

Permanent exhibition

• Area archeologica di Tharros – Route through the ruins of the Punic and Roman city on the sea, with the temple with Doric half-columns, basalt roads, aqueduct and baths.

Operated by

Penisola del Sinis Società Cooperativa (gestione)

Admission & discounts

Free entry to all cultural sites also for residents of Cabras and Solanas, licensed EU tourist guides, ICOM members, journalists and photographers with a suitable document, and other professional and study categories indicated by the operator. Tickets are bought on site or online through the website of the Fondazione Mont’e Prama.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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: no information

Some stretches of the route are uncomfortable for wheelchairs or for people with mobility difficulties; there are no shaded areas along the route.

Kids & families

For schools, guided itineraries suited to the age of the students are available.

Getting there & parking

A panoramic little train links San Giovanni di Sinis with the archaeological area (adults: €5, children aged 2 to 14: €4; shuttle from the San Giovanni square to the entrance: €3.50). It has no fixed timetable, except in August and on some public holidays; information at +39 0783 370019.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Toilets and bookshop on the site. The café-bar is at the Centro Servizi Turistici of San Giovanni di Sinis (open every day 9:00–18:00).

Events & venue rental

In summer the site hosts events, festivals and concerts.

Plan your visit