Associazione Città Italiane Patrimonio Mondiale UNESCO

The Su Nuraxi complex in Barumini
Inscription N° 833 1997 C (i) (iii) (iv)

Sardinian nuraghi are outstanding archaeological monuments that bear witness to an ancient culture from the Megalithic civilisation of the Mediterranean basin. A typical nuraghe resembles a two-tier truncated cone tower built from huge blocks of stone. These stones are laid one on top of the other in a concentric pattern narrowing towards the top.
The Nuragic civilisation played a fundamental role in spreading both the Mycenaean and the Phoenician culture that followed it. Although some elements of their history remain shrouded in mystery, it is not surprising as their culture is somewhat foreign to what is considered classical Greek culture.
The nuraghi of Sardinia, of which Su Nuraxi is the pre-eminent example, represent an exceptional response to political and social conditions that existed within a prehistoric island community. Apart from showing the considerable imagination of the primitive Sardinian people, the nuraghi also demonstrate an imaginative and innovative use of the materials and techniques available to a prehistoric island community.
The Committee decided to inscribe this property on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (iii) and (iv), considering that the nuraghi of Sardinia, of which Su Nuraxi is the pre-eminent example, represent an exceptional response to political and social conditions, making an imaginative and innovative use of the materials and techniques available to a prehistoric island community.