Attractions and Places To See around Pauli Arbarei - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Pauli Arbarei, a town in Sardinia's Marmilla region, offer a blend of ancient history, cultural traditions, and agro-pastoral landscapes. The area features numerous archaeological sites from the Nuragic period, historic churches, and ethnographic museums. Visitors can explore a varied landscape of fertile plains and gentle hills, providing diverse points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around Pauli Arbarei
- The most popular attractions is Pinnettas Shepherd Huts, a hut that represents…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Pinnettas Shepherd Huts
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Su Nuraxi Archaeological Site
Highlight • Historical Site
PS. In addition to the area with the same ticket (15 €) you can visit the Casa Zappata museum
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Bruncu Madugui village and nuraghe
Highlight • Historical Site
The main building is of considerable architectural importance, …
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Pauli Maiori Wetland
Highlight • Lake
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Giara Plateau Park
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Tips from the Community
In summer the lake is dry, but there is a good chance of seeing wild horses at the nearby springs.
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The German-language television series “Treasures of the World – Heritage of Humanity” – which I can recommend without reservation – devotes a quarter-hour report to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the “NURAGHI” in Sardinia and the traditional shepherds’ song known there as “Canto a Tenore”. The accompanying text to the programme states: “Over seven thousand round towers made of stone blocks weighing several tons are scattered all over Sardinia. Often only the stumps of these megalithic buildings, called nuraghi, remain. The first were built around 1400 BC. Small stones were placed between the mighty blocks, a construction method that made the stone towers safe from collapse." This article (episode 413 of the series) can be accessed in the ARD media library at the following link => https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/sardinien/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS8xNTg4MzM5MA
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Here you can see wild horses and lots of insects. We saw the horses at the lake, it was really magical 🤩
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There is a documentary about the model for this modern, but reminiscent of ancient models, documentation - which in my opinion is fully recommended: The German-language television series "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity" is dedicated to the UNESCO world cultural heritage of the "NURAGHI" in Sardinia and a fifteen-minute contribution to the traditional shepherd's song known there as “Canto a Tenore”. The text accompanying the program says “Over seven thousand round towers made of stone pieces weighing tons are scattered all over Sardinia. Often only the stumps of these megalithic buildings, called nuraghi, remain. The first were around 1400 BC. Built. Small stones were placed between the mighty blocks, a construction method that made the stone towers collapse-proof.” This article (episode 413 of the series) is available in the ARD media library under the following link: https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/sardinien/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS8xNTg4MzM5MA
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You can find detailed information about this archaeological highlight at: https://virtualarchaeology.sardegnacultura.it/index.php/de/archaeologe-fundplatz/periodo-nuragico/villaggio-nuragico-di-su-nuraxi Quite impressive. You should invest the 15 EUR.
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You can find detailed information about this archaeological highlight at: https://virtualarchaeology.sardegnacultura.it/index.php/de/archaeologer-fundplatz/periodo-nuragico/villaggio-nuragico-di-su-nuraxi Brochure with 3D reconstruction: https://virtualarchaeology.sardegnacultura.it/images/guide/Campidano/Medio-Campidano_Tedesco.pdf Quite impressive. You should invest the 15 EUR.
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The complex overlooks the edge of the Giara, a basaltic plateau on the border between the regions of Marmilla, Sarcidano and Arborea. The main building is of considerable architectural importance, as it belongs to the type of protonuraghi or "corridor" nuraghi. It is a mighty construction in the Cyclopean work of irregular blocks of basalt. source Sardinia Culture
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Near the Giara plateau, in the central-southern part of Sardinia, rises the symbol par excellence of the Nuragic culture, the only Sardinian cultural site included in the UNESCO World Physical Heritage List. There is a very special atmosphere in Barumini: since prehistory, the current town has been a center of power and an important reference point for a rich and fertile land, the Marmilla. As a testament to this stands Su Nuraxi, the most imposing (and best preserved of thirty nuragic sites in the Barumini area and the most important legacy left to us by the Torre culture. The archaeological area includes a nuragic complex and a vast village of huts, a unique place declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. The impressive site was unearthed during the mid-20th century excavations led by Giovanni Lilliu.The cultural center is named after the "father" of Sardinian archaeology, and is just a few steps from the Nuraghe is located. Su Nuraxi is built of basalt, a volcanic rock from the nearby Giara Natural Park. It shows an over the course of two thousand years, from the 16th century BC. to 7th century AD, material was layered on top of each other. Source: https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/en/discover/su-nuraxi The facility can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Guided tours are offered in Italian and English. More information can be found here: http://www.fondazionebarumini.it/it/area-archelogica-su-nuraxi/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main historical attractions to visit in Pauli Arbarei?
Pauli Arbarei is rich in history. You can explore the 17th-century Renaissance-style Parish of San Vincenzo Diacono and the Church of Sant'Agostino, dating back to 1421. The countryside is also dotted with numerous Nuragic sites, including the notable three-lobed Nuraghe of Bruncu Mannu. Don't miss the Su Nuraxi Archaeological Site, a UNESCO heritage site and the largest Nuragic Archaeological Area in Sardinia, or the Bruncu Madugui village and nuraghe, an impressive protonuraghe overlooking the Giara plateau.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in Pauli Arbarei?
Yes, Pauli Arbarei offers several family-friendly options. The Pinnettas Shepherd Huts provide a unique glimpse into traditional life and ancient building methods, often with wild horses nearby and a picnic area. The Pauli Maiori Wetland is great for scenic views and spotting wild horses, while the Giara Plateau Park is home to the rare 'Cavallini della Giara' wild horses, offering a wonderful natural experience for all ages.
What natural features can I explore around Pauli Arbarei?
The region boasts a harmonious blend of fertile plains and gentle hills. You can visit the Pauli Maiori Wetland for its scenic beauty and chance to see wild horses. The Giara Plateau Park is another natural highlight, known for its unique ecosystem, cork oaks, Mediterranean maquis, and the famous 'Cavallini della Giara' wild horses.
Where can I learn about the local culture and traditions?
To immerse yourself in local culture, visit the Ethnographic Museum of Women (Museo Etnografico della Donna) in the historic center, which uses multimedia to tell the town's history through women's testimonies and traditional activities. The Sa Tellaia Ethnographic Exhibition also showcases objects typical of farming culture and ancient Sardinian cuisine. Additionally, attending traditional festivities like the Feast of Sant'Isidoro in mid-May or the Sagra della pecora offers a chance to experience deep-rooted cultural traditions and taste local food.
Are there opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling or running near Pauli Arbarei?
Yes, the area around Pauli Arbarei offers various outdoor activities. For mountain biking, you can find routes like the 'Giardino botanico Morisia — giro ad anello nel Parco della Giara' or 'Goats on the Path – Free-Roaming Cow loop from Su Nuraxi'. If you prefer running, there are loops from Gèsturi/Gesturi and Barùmini/Barumini. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Su Nuraxi - Marmilla Loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the MTB Trails, Running Trails, and Road Cycling Routes guides for Pauli Arbarei.
What is the 'Land of Giants' narrative associated with Pauli Arbarei?
Pauli Arbarei is linked to local folklore about the existence of 'giants' in Sardinia. These stories, passed down through generations, speak of ancient, very tall human beings and anecdotal findings of unusually large human skeletons in the area. While archaeologists often refer to these as 'stories and rumors,' this narrative remains a captivating aspect of the local heritage and a unique point of interest.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Pauli Arbarei?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of ancient history and natural beauty. The chance to see wild horses at the Pauli Maiori Wetland and Giara Plateau Park is a highlight for many. The historical significance and impressive scale of sites like the Su Nuraxi Archaeological Site also leave a lasting impression. The unique experience of the Pinnettas Shepherd Huts, combining history with nature, is also highly valued.
Are there any specific events or festivals held in Pauli Arbarei?
Pauli Arbarei celebrates several traditional events throughout the year. Key festivities include the Feast of San Vincenzo in late January, the Feast of Sant'Isidoro in mid-May (featuring a procession of decorated farming vehicles), and the Feast of Saint Gostino in late August. The Sagra della pecora (Sheep Festival) is also an important event, often associated with other feasts, offering a taste of local food and wine.
What kind of archaeological discoveries can be found in the region?
The fertile countryside of Pauli Arbarei is rich in archaeological sites from the Nuragic period. Over a dozen Nuragic sites have been identified, including the prominent three-lobed Nuraghe of Bruncu Mannu. Other sites like Mollàrgiu, Bruncu Martinu, and Seneri have yielded bronze and decorated ceramic artifacts, some of which are displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Cagliari. The Su Nuraxi Archaeological Site is the most significant, offering extensive insights into ancient Nuragic civilization.
Can I find viewpoints or scenic spots around Pauli Arbarei?
Yes, the region offers several scenic spots. The Pauli Maiori Wetland provides incredible views of the landscape. Additionally, the Bruncu Madugui village and nuraghe is situated to overlook the edge of the Giara, offering a panoramic viewpoint of the basaltic plateau.
What is the best time of year to visit Pauli Arbarei for outdoor activities?
While specific recommendations for Pauli Arbarei are not available, the Mediterranean climate of Sardinia generally makes spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) ideal for outdoor activities. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring historical sites, wetlands, and parks without the intense heat of summer.
Most popular attractions around Pauli Arbarei
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