Nuoro: what to see, where to eat, and what to do in the evening

Sardinia is certainly famous for its sea and the beaches that touch its coasts; however, the interior of the island is also rich in places that deserve to be visited. An ideal place to spend a weekend is Nuoro, the Sardinian capital. This city nestled in the green valley of Monte Ortobene, rich in traditions, art, and history, offers various possibilities, and those who decide to visit will not be disappointed. Let's discover together what to see, where to eat, and what to do in the evening in Nuoro.

This granite mountain, rising 955 meters above sea level, is one of the symbols of the city of Nuoro. The area, covering 1,600 hectares, is rich in towers, pinnacles, and bizarrely shaped rocks and is traversed by several rivers and streams. At the top of Monte Ortobene is the Statue of the Redeemer, while the most scenic point is the Cuccuru Nigheddu. The area around the Sedda Ortai Park is very beautiful, where the Church of Solitude is located, which houses the ashes of Grazia Deledda.

The Church of the Madonna della Solitudine in Nuoro is a small religious gem located at the foot of Monte Ortobene, not far from the city center. Built in 1930, the church stands out for its simplicity and peaceful atmosphere, characteristics that fully reflect its name. The building is designed in a sober and traditional style, with a white facade and a bell tower that rises against the Sardinian sky. Inside, the church houses a statue of the Madonna della Solitudine, much revered by local faithful, who gather every year in September to celebrate the feast dedicated to her with processions and moments of prayer.

This place of worship is particularly cherished for its connection to Grazia Deledda, the famous Sardinian writer and Nobel Prize for Literature. In fact, it was in this church that Deledda wished to be buried, and her sarcophagus is located in the crypt beneath the main altar. (Get directions)

Visit Duration: 30 min

This Museum, one of the largest of its kind in Sardinia, was built between the 1950s and 1960s on Colle di Sant'Onofrio. It is divided into three areas consisting of six rooms where one can admire traditional clothing, jewelry, and typical musical instruments from the period spanning the 19th century to the early 1950s.

One of the most well-known attractions in Nuoro is this art gallery where you can admire over 200 works of contemporary Sardinian art. The museum features testimonies from local 20th-century artists and a unique collection of drawings and ceramics by Salvatore Fancello. Every year, the MAN also hosts 4 temporary exhibitions and organizes numerous graphic and painting workshops.

Nuoro has paid homage to the writer Grazia Deledda, Nobel Prize for Literature in 1926, with a museum dedicated to her. Thanks to the generosity of the writer's daughter-in-law, who donated manuscripts, photographs, and personal belongings of the woman, the Deleddiano Museum was opened on March 5, 1983. The current exhibition highlights the troubled connection the writer had with Nuoro and her personal and literary events after her move to Rome.

This church, also known as the Old Church, is located in the center of Nuoro and dates back to the 17th century. The building has a rather simple style with a wide low facade, a portal decorated with stone reliefs, and a beautiful rose window just above the portal. Inside, it houses 18th-century frescoes inspired by late antique decorations.

This Cathedral, the main place of worship in Nuoro, was completed in 1853 and spiritually refers to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The neoclassical-style building features a beautiful facade with two orders and a double bell tower, while the interior consists of a single nave with several side chapels. There is a prominent painting from the 1600s depicting the Dead Christ attributed to Alessandro Tirini.

In the historic center of the city, there is the main square dedicated to the famous Nuorese poet Sebastiano Satta. It has an irregular shape with a granite pavement and boulders on which bronze statuettes by sculptor Costantino Nivola stand out. All around, buildings and palaces painted white give brightness to the environment.

This Museum is dedicated to Francesco Ciusa, a great artist who lived from 1883 to 1949 in Nuoro, regarded as the initiator of modern Sardinian sculpture. Most of his marble works are inspired by the pastoral world and Nuorese customs, but there are also ceramic works. The Museum is located inside the former courthouse of Nuoro, a large recently restored building that previously housed an ancient convent. Composed of 6 rooms, it contains about 60 works interspersed with video projections that allow visitors to understand Ciusa's art and his world.

In the heart of Nuoro, situated above the city, lies the Tanca Manca Nuraghe, which belongs to the formative period of the Nuragic civilization. The monotorre structure was built with granite stones protruding from the ground and rough-hewn granite blocks. Inside, there are two opposing niches, one of which is carved from the rock.

Not far from Nuoro is one of the most important archaeological areas in Sardinia, uncovered in the 1950s and 60s. Once inside the complex, visitors can admire numerous megalithic circles followed by various Nuragic settlements rising up to 10 meters. The large huts, with a large hearth and several tombs inside, are also clearly visible. Overall, this site allows visitors to gain an overview of Sardinian history from pre-Nuragic megalithism to the Roman age, passing through the Nuragic period.

In the deep heart of Sardinia, a few kilometers from Nuoro lies a special place shrouded in mystery where time seems to have stopped. The village of Tiscali sits on the walls of a caldera and is not visible until one reaches the interior of the cavity. Inhabited during the pre-Nuragic age, the site is composed of two clusters of round or oval huts dating back to the 15th and 8th centuries B.C.

Ten minutes by car from Nuoro is the beautiful village of Lollove, a medieval village that has remained almost deserted. Most of the houses are in ruins, and only a few are intact, but strolling through its cobblestone alleys and stone houses will take you back in time. According to a legend told by the village elders, one or more penitents from the ancient monastery on Via Bixio were accused of having had carnal relations with local shepherds. Before leaving the village, they cast a curse upon it: "Lollove, you will be like the sea water, you will neither grow nor show (any growth)". And so it has been, for what remains today of Lollove is a ghost town without a post office, pharmacy, or bar, inhabited only by a few elderly.

This 17th-century building is located in Santu Pedru, one of the most characteristic neighborhoods of the city. The church is entirely made of pink stone, has a very simple style that recalls Sardinian traditions. The interior features a single nave that houses a copy of the Mother Work of the Killed, created by Francesco Ciusa. The wooden tabernacle and the statues dedicated to the Madonna, St. Francis, St. Lucia, and St. Charles Borromeo are also worth mentioning.

Start your day in Nuoro visiting Nuraghe Tanca Manca, one of the many prehistoric remains that testify to the Nuragic civilization of Sardinia. This archaeological site will allow you to immerse yourself in the ancient history of the region. Continue with a visit to the Church of the Madonna delle Grazie, located in the city center. This church is one of the most important in Nuoro, characterized by a simple facade and richly decorated interiors. From here, a short walk will take you to the MAN Museum, one of the main museums of modern and contemporary art in Sardinia, showcasing works by local and international artists.

Move on to the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Neve, the principal religious building in Nuoro. The cathedral, with its imposing neoclassical facade, symbolizes the city's religious and artistic heritage. Next, visit the Deleddiano Museum, located in the birthplace of Grazia Deledda, the Nuorese writer who won the Nobel Prize for Literature. The museum provides an overview of the life and works of the author. After the museum, head to the Church of the Madonna della Solitudine, a picturesque place located at the foot of Monte Ortobene, famous for its tranquil and spiritual atmosphere. Conclude your day by exploring Monte Ortobene, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of Nuoro and the surrounding countryside and take a walk immersed in nature.

Nuoro, unlike other Sardinian cities, is not particularly famous for its nightlife. However, for those who wish to stay out late or have a drink after dinner, there are some places and pubs ideal for spending the evening in the historic center of Nuoro. The areas with a greater concentration of breweries and bars are Piazza Satta and the western part of the city, accessible by car.