Nuraxi su Barumini

Location

Barumini
Italy
39° 42' 20.9988" N, 8° 59' 26.0016" E
IT
General info: 

These weird looking constructions were a special type of defensive structure known as nuraghi developed on the island of Sardinia. No parallel structures exists anywhere else in the world. The complex is centered around a three-story tower that was built around 16th century BC. It consists of circular defensive towers in the form of truncated cones built of dressed stone, with corbel-vaulted internal chambers. The complex at Barumini is the finest and most complete example of this remarkable form of prehistoric architecture.
When this fortified village was found, it had been covered by ground and had become a hill. The Nuraxi su Barumini has been a UNESCO world heritage site since in 1997

Getting there: 

The easiest way to get to Barumini is by car. From Cagliari, take the SS 131 to the SS 197.
There is no public transportation to Su Nuraxi but there are buses from the city of Cagliari to the town of Barumini and from the town it's about a mile walk.

Costs: 

Adult tickets are 8 euro as of 2011. All-inclusive tickets are 10 euro and include Casa Zapata nuaghe and museum in the town of Barumini.
The nuragic complex of Baurmini is open every day of the year from 9am until one hour before sunset. Visitors must be accompanied by a guide and tours are scheduled about every half hour.

Interesting places nearby

The Meije Glacier cable car opens the doors to a ski area which is not actually a ski area. This magical skiing landmark is one of the world's last true holy grails in which skiers can be free and truly live by their passion.

A charming and typical village, situated on the left hand side of the Matterhorn Valley and surrounded by meadows and forests, La Magdeleine tells you a lot of things about mountain traditions.

With less than 600 year round residents, the resort of Isola 2000 is nestled at the gateway to the Mercantour National Park; only 4km from the Franco-Italian boarder (not open through the winter).

This mountain village is a winter holiday resort too. The beautiful skiing area is open to skiers of all categories and ages. There is an illuminated cross-country skiing trail and many popular stops for ski tour enthusiasts.

The Gstaad ski resorts are situated in the heart of the ski region Gstaad Mountain Rides in the Bernese Oberland at the east side of Lake Geneve The glacier private://Glacier 3000private:// can be accessed either by helicopter or skyride

Just above the mundane Gstaad (about 4 km away), the top ski Gstaad region is the peaceful ski holiday resort Saanen. Saanen like Gstaad is not the cheapest choice for a skiing holiday, but the accommodations are a lot less expensive.