Vita Tours
About
Guided tours in Cagliari, Nora and Tharros
info@vitatours.eu
Guided Tour of the Ancient City of Nora
Duration: Approx. 2.5 – 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy (some uneven roads)
Best Time: Morning or late afternoon (to avoid heat)
Languages: English (customizable)
"Welcome to Nora – one of Sardinia's most fascinating archaeological sites, where the land meets the sea and ancient civilizations left their marks over thousands of years. As we begin our journey, imagine a bustling coastal city with Phoenician traders, Roman villas, Punic temples, and citizens going about daily life nearly 3,000 years ago."
Key points:
Founded by Phoenicians (8th century BCE), later occupied by Carthaginians and Romans
Strategically located for maritime trade
Abandoned by the early Middle Ages due to Saracen raids and coastal erosion
The Thermal Baths (Terme Centrali)
The Roman Theater
Guide:
"Our first stop is the Roman theater, built in the 1st century CE. It could seat over 1,000 spectators and is the only Roman theater in Sardinia."
Highlights:
Still used today for summer performances
Excellent acoustics and sea-facing views
Original steps and stage structure still visible
Guide:
"Next, we explore the Roman thermal baths. These were more than just places to wash—they were centers of social life."
Highlights:
Hypocaust system (underfloor heating)
Mosaic floors with geometric patterns
Rooms for hot (caldarium), warm (tepidarium), and cold (frigidarium) baths
The Sanctuary of Aesculapius
Mosaics & Roman Villas
Guide:
"This temple was dedicated to Aesculapius, the Roman god of healing. Notice how the Romans built it over earlier Punic structures, reflecting Nora’s layered history."
Highlights:
Location near natural springs (associated with healing)
Punic foundation walls visible beneath Roman layers
Guide:
"Now we arrive at the residential heart of Roman Nora, where elites built luxurious homes with elaborate mosaic floors."
Highlights:
House of the Tetrastyle Atrium
Intricate black-and-white mosaic depicting marine life
Courtyards and private bathing areas