The Archaeological Site of Nora
Mediterranean Excursions
- £40-£50
- 4 hours
- Hard
CAGLIARI, SARDINIA
Experience the ancient Carthaginian and Roman remains of Nora.
Departing the quayside, we travel in a south-westerly direction from Cagliari, passing St Gilla’s Lagoon where, if we are lucky, we may see pink flamingos. Our route continues through olive groves, and in the distance we will spot one of the biggest refineries in the Mediterranean, belonging to the township of Sarroch.
After passing Sarroch, we arrive at our destination, Pula. Here on a rocky promontory on the coast, the remains of the city of Nora are situated. Nora was founded by the Phoenicians. It had two harbours – one sheltered from the west winds and the other protected from Mistral. The site has Carthaginian as well as Roman remains. After a period of Roman prosperity, there was a decline, and in the 3rd century AD, the city was engulfed by the sea in a natural disaster.
Today the remains of a Carthaginian warehouse, various buildings, including baths with splendid mosaics and a theatre, dating from the height of the Empire, are still visible and almost completely intact. We will also be able to admire the external part of the little church where, every year on 1st May, important religious celebrations take place in the name of St Efisio (who was beheaded on the same spot where the church now stands).
Following our visit, we re-board our tour coach for the return journey back to Cagliari and our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves a considerable amount of walking. Our walking tour of the archaeological site will cover approximately three kilometres (two miles), and uneven terrain and slight inclines will be encountered. There are also a few steps to negotiate. There is an approximate 5-10 minute walk from the coach park to the archaeological site. Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Passengers should exercise due care and attention when walking around the site, and wear comfortable, flat walking shoes. Please note we cannot guarantee the sightings of any birds or wildlife. Refreshments are available to purchase – these are at the passengers’ own expense. Nora is an exposed site, therefore sunscreen or a jacket would be recommended depending on the weather.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
After passing Sarroch, we arrive at our destination, Pula. Here on a rocky promontory on the coast, the remains of the city of Nora are situated. Nora was founded by the Phoenicians. It had two harbours – one sheltered from the west winds and the other protected from Mistral. The site has Carthaginian as well as Roman remains. After a period of Roman prosperity, there was a decline, and in the 3rd century AD, the city was engulfed by the sea in a natural disaster.
Today the remains of a Carthaginian warehouse, various buildings, including baths with splendid mosaics and a theatre, dating from the height of the Empire, are still visible and almost completely intact. We will also be able to admire the external part of the little church where, every year on 1st May, important religious celebrations take place in the name of St Efisio (who was beheaded on the same spot where the church now stands).
Following our visit, we re-board our tour coach for the return journey back to Cagliari and our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves a considerable amount of walking. Our walking tour of the archaeological site will cover approximately three kilometres (two miles), and uneven terrain and slight inclines will be encountered. There are also a few steps to negotiate. There is an approximate 5-10 minute walk from the coach park to the archaeological site. Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Passengers should exercise due care and attention when walking around the site, and wear comfortable, flat walking shoes. Please note we cannot guarantee the sightings of any birds or wildlife. Refreshments are available to purchase – these are at the passengers’ own expense. Nora is an exposed site, therefore sunscreen or a jacket would be recommended depending on the weather.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
-
Snack or meal provided
-
Refreshments available
-
Free time
-
Shopping opportunity
-
Wheelchair access
-
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
