Phoenician & Roman Ruins of Nora
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Port
Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$149.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Combine a visit to Sardinia's first settlement with a tasting of local wines and typical island fare.
Drive along the scenic southwest coast en route to Nora, the first town settled in Sardinia by the Nuraghic people. Later, Nora became an important Phoenician colony and went through a period of domination by Carthage. Following the bitter Punic Wars, Nora fell to Roman domination in 238 BC and again became a pivotal trading town. The ancient city of Nora remained buried until excavations began in 1960 and archaeologists discovered its ruins scattered over seven acres.
Your guided walking tour explores the ruins of the ancient city, including the acropolis with a Carthaginian temple dedicated to the goddess Tanit, a Roman Theatre, a thermal bath complex and a Roman villa with mosaics.
Back in Cagliari, you will stop at Giorgino Court -- seat of the Counts of Ciarella. They were ancestors of the present owner -- the Count of Ballero. The court, dating back to 17th century, contains the St Ephisius Chapel, a rural house and rustic gardens. The chapel is a pilgrimage destination during the festival of St Ephisius.
In the courtyard, you will be treated to a taste of typical Sardinian gastronomic delights -- cheeses, salami, sausages, homemade bread and local wines -- before returning to the ship.