Nuraghe Is Paras Isili
A monumental Bronze Age nuraghe, Is Paras boasts the highest tholos vault in Sardinia, offering a glimpse into ancient Nuragic civilization.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Nuraghe Is Paras Isili
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental Bronze Age nuraghe, Is Paras boasts the highest tholos vault in Sardinia, offering a glimpse into ancient Nuragic civilization.
"The highest tholos vault in Nuragic Sardinia, a truly awe-inspiring architectural marvel."
Book Guided Tours
Guides offer invaluable historical context and insights into the Nuragic civilization. :bustsinsilhouette:
Research Nuragic History
Enhance your visit by learning about Nuragic culture beforehand, as onsite information is limited. 📚
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 281 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Tholos Vault
Central Chamber
Marvel at the highest tholos vault in Nuragic Sardinia, an architectural feat dating back to the 15th century BC.
Trilobed Structure
Exterior
Admire the unique trilobed design, a testament to Nuragic engineering with a central tower and surrounding bastions.
Imposing Limestone Walls
Main Tower
Witness the incredibly thick walls of the central tower, built with precisely cut white limestone blocks.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours
Guides offer invaluable historical context and insights into the Nuragic civilization. :bustsinsilhouette:
Research Nuragic History
Enhance your visit by learning about Nuragic culture beforehand, as onsite information is limited. 📚
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the ancient site with ease on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Check Restoration Status
Parts of the nuraghe are under restoration; confirm access before your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours
Guides offer invaluable historical context and insights into the Nuragic civilization. :bustsinsilhouette:
Research Nuragic History
Enhance your visit by learning about Nuragic culture beforehand, as onsite information is limited. 📚
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the ancient site with ease on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Check Restoration Status
Parts of the nuraghe are under restoration; confirm access before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the imposing scale and architectural ingenuity of Nuraghe Is Paras, particularly its exceptionally high tholos vault. The ability to get close and see inside is a major highlight. However, many note the lack of detailed historical information onsite, suggesting prior research or a guided tour is beneficial. Ongoing restoration is also a factor to consider.
"What makes this Nuraghe stand out from all the other ones in Sardegna is how close you can get, and the ability to see inside.
It’s a shame that there is no text or information about the history of Nuraghes in general and this one (except for one extremely helpful review on google maps). They are a fascinating part of history that have been standing for very long and the experience would be enriched if there was more information about the Nuraghe."
Costanza Cavalleri
"The Is Paras nuraghe (in Sardinian is paras means the friars), is located in Isili, a town in the province of Southern Sardinia, in the historical region of Sarcidano, in a strategic position dominating the underlying territories open to the West. Its shape is that of a trilobed nuraghe, ie formed by a triangular bastion with three towers at the corners.
The archaeologist Giovanni Lilliu, speaking of the beauty of this singular nuraghe and of the admirable vault of tholos in his central chamber, says that this time it is ...:
«... the most extensive and harmonious of the Sardinian thòloi (the tholos is the domed vault that closed the nuraghes, today collapsed in most cases), which closely repeats the wide breath of the sumptuous and splendid tholoi achee peloponnesiache of the second half of the second millennium BC »
(Seui - Isili, page 354, Touring Club Italiano, 1988, ISBN 88-365-0352-7)
Dating
It dates back to the fifteenth century BC and originally it was a single tower nuraghe, with a circular plan with a diameter of 12.50 meters by 12.70 meters, built with blocks of white limestone cut quite regularly.
Structure
The entrance is located at midday and is raised above the level of the countryside. Through the corridor leads to the vaulted main chamber with a tholos up to 11.80 meters high, the highest in all Sardinia nuragica and second, for that period, only to the tomb of Agamemnon.
The center of the chamber is occupied by a circular well, while on a wall, in an elevated position, there is access to the stairwell to access the upper floors, which could be reached from the ground floor probably by a wooden staircase.
Later, between the 13th and 12th centuries BC, a smaller tower was added, the entrance was moved to the east and then a courtyard was created between the towers.
Towards the eleventh century BC two other towers were built which were connected by bastions. The whole complex was later enclosed by an internal wall in turn equipped with other towers. Outside there was the nuragic village, currently not yet excavated.
The excavations
The excavations of the nuragic complex date back to 1974 by the archaeologist Maria Ausilia Fadda. They then continued in 1975-1977, under the direction of Alberto Moravetti.
Much remains to be excavated and the current campaign is conducted by the archaeologist Tatiana Cossu."
Bruno Matta
"Culture at it best. Straightforward authenticity"
D VW
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nuraghe Is Paras is located in Isili, in the province of South Sardinia. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach the site.
The nuraghe is situated on a gentle hill on the outskirts of Isili, making it relatively easy to locate. Follow signs for 'Nuraghe Is Paras' once you are in the town.
The closest major airport is Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG). From Cagliari, you can rent a car or take a bus towards Isili. The drive is scenic and takes approximately 1 hour.
Isili itself is a charming town. Nearby towns like Nuragus and Laconi offer further insights into Sardinian history and culture, making for a great day trip.
Many local tour operators in Sardinia offer excursions that include visits to Nuragic sites like Is Paras. This can be a convenient way to see multiple attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Nuraghe Is Paras typically requires a ticket. It's advisable to check the official website or contact local tourism offices for the most up-to-date information on ticket prices and availability, especially as restoration work may affect access.
Opening hours can vary, particularly due to ongoing restoration. It's best to confirm the current operating times before your visit. Early mornings and late afternoons are often recommended.
Yes, there is usually an entrance fee. The cost can vary, and sometimes guided tours are included or offered as an add-on.
While you can explore the site independently, a guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the history and significance of Nuraghe Is Paras. Guides provide invaluable context.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Inquire with the ticket office or check their website for any special offers or concession rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the impressive trilobed nuraghe structure, including its central tower with the remarkably high tholos vault, thick limestone walls, and surrounding bastions. Excavation sites may also be visible.
Children can find the ancient ruins fascinating, but supervision is essential due to the historical nature of the site and uneven terrain. The sheer scale of the structure can be awe-inspiring for younger visitors.
A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest level and whether you opt for a guided tour. Allow extra time if you plan to explore the surrounding area.
Facilities can be limited at archaeological sites. It's advisable to use restrooms before arriving and to bring any necessary items with you. Check with the site management for current amenity availability.
The best times for photography are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for dramatic lighting. Drone photography is also popular for capturing the scale of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the imposing exterior from a distance to show its scale, and focus on the intricate stonework and the impressive tholos vault inside. The surrounding landscape also offers beautiful backdrops.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or the site management regarding permits and restrictions before flying a drone over the nuraghe.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the overall structure and interior spaces. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the stonework. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or the use of tripods in certain areas might require special permission. Always respect signage and staff instructions.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and flattering light. Midday sun can be harsh, but can also highlight the white limestone.
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