Discovering the Rich History of Nuragus in Sardinia
Nuragus, a picturesque Sardinian town with a thriving winemaking heritage, is located in the South Sardinia province, just a short distance from Cagliari. With its 906 inhabitants and an area of approximately 1,900 hectares, Nuragus stretches between the hills of Marmilla and the mountains of Laconi, Nurallao, and Isili.
- The name “Nuragus” may stem from the abundant presence of nuraghi in the area, evidence of ancient settlements dating back to pre-Nuragic and Nuragic times.
- According to local tradition, the town might have originated from survivors of the Roman city of Valentia, destroyed by the Vandals in the 8th century. This theory is supported by the ruins found in the area.
- Throughout centuries, Nuragus has experienced various dominations, belonging to the Judicature of Arborea and then to the Aragonese before becoming part of the marquisate of Laconi.
- The Nuragic community is characterized by several significant archaeological sites such as numerous scattered nuraghi across the territory, the sacred well of Coni, and the megalithic tomb of Aiòdda.
The Winemaking Heritage of Nuragus
Nuragus is renowned for being home to its namesake grape variety, formerly known as “Axina Burda.” This indigenous grape thrives in the Mediterranean climate of the region and has given rise to renowned wines in Campidano.
- In addition to winemaking, Nuragus also boasts around 40 sheep farms that have contributed to developing a robust and productive breed through decades of genetic selection.
- The unique environment of the region provides fertile ground for vine cultivation and supports diverse agriculture that also includes olives and cereals.
- Thanks to its strategic location near major urban centers like Cagliari, Nuragus represents an important enogastronomic destination for wine enthusiasts and lovers of local specialties.
In conclusion, delving into Nuragus’ fascinating history means exploring Sardinia’s ancient roots through its archaeological sites and savoring the authenticity of premium wines bearing the name of this place itself.
