The best preserved Roman ruins in Sardinia

Sardinia’s Phoenician began around the 9th century BC. They sought safe harbors for their long journeys from Lebanon and beyond. Major Phoenician ports included Caralis, Nora, and Tharros. These can be seen as the first larger scale cities to be developed in Sardinia. 

In the 6th century BC, the Carthaginians attempted to control larger parts of Sardinia, expanding from their costal sites, but faced resistance from the local Nuragic people. By 510 BC, Carthage succeeded in taking over the southern and central parts of the island.

In 238 BC, during the Mercenary War, the Romans seized Sardinia from Carthage. The island was annexed along with Corsica and became a Roman province. Roman rule lasted nearly 700 years, transforming Sardinia with Roman cities and culture. Latin became the main language, although resistance from local tribes continued.

In 456 AD, the Vandals took Sardinia, maintaining control for 78 years. During this period, the Vandal administration followed Roman structures. In 534, the Byzantine Empire regained control after the defeat of the Vandals. Byzantine rule lasted for about 300 years.

Under Byzantine rule, Sardinia was divided into districts governed from Caralis. Christianity started to spread across the island in the fourth century, though some regions remained pagan. In the 7th century, the island saw increasing raids by Arabs, especially after the fall of Carthage in 697. 

By the early medieval period, Sardinia had become a complex mix of Byzantine influence and local power struggles, setting the stage for its later history. Communication with Constantinople was difficult and Sardinia slowly slipped from their control. 

Sardinia has numerous well preserved ancient Roman historical sites / ruins. Below follow the best preserved Roman sites found. Each Roman site in Sardinia will be shortly introduced. 

For a visual overview of all Roman ruins in Sardinia please consult our Roman sites map above

For an introduction to the maps click here.

Detailed description of all Roman ruins in Sardinia

Cities and areas:

Roman ruin 1: Archaeological Park of Turris Libisonis

The Archaeological Park of Turris Libisonis is situated in Porto Torres, Sardinia. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was established by the Romans as a strategic town.

By the 1st century BC, Turris Libisonis had become a Roman colony. It was the onlysite populated entirely by Roman citizens in Sardinia. The city thrived under Roman rule, becoming a major port and commercial hub.

It featured an advanced infrastructure, including roads, baths, an aqueduct, and a bustling port connecting it to Ostia. During the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries AD, Turris Libisonis was one of the most prominent cities in Sardinia. The town saw extensive construction, with notable marble decorations and statues.

The remains of residential blocks, workshops, and paved streets can still be seen. The site features several Roman structures, including a theater and a basilica. Roman baths at the site highlight the importance of public hygiene and social life.

Surrounding Turris Libisonis is a large necropolises. There is also a well-preserved Roman bridge with seven arches, showcasing remarkable engineering skills.

Roman ruin 2: Archaeological Park of Tharros

The Archaeological Park of Tharros is located on the Sinis Peninsula in western Sardinia. Tharros city was founded by the Phoenicians and later developed by the Romans. The site was occupied continuously until the 11th century AD. It overlooks the sea and is surrounded by beautiful hills. 

Tharros was a Nuragic settlement, with early structures predating the Phoenicians. The Phoenicians established a trading center there and left behind two necropolises. When Carthage took control, they expanded Tharros with new burial practices and chamber tombs decorated with deities like Baal Hammon and Tanit. Many grave goods, including ceramics and jewelry, were found in these burial sites.

The Romans conquered Tharros in 238 BC, transforming it into a bustling urban center. They built new civic and religious structures, including the Temple of Demeter and other temples repurposed from previous ones. During the Roman Empire, the city was redesigned with straight streets and an advanced sewer system. Notable Roman buildings include thermal baths and an aqueduct.

In the Middle Ages, Tharros declined due to invasions and was eventually abandoned in 1071. Over the centuries, the site suffered from looting and treasure hunting. Official excavations in the 19th century led to the dispersion of many artifacts, which are now housed in museums like the British Museum. Excavations resumed in the mid-20th century and continue to reveal new discoveries.

Roman ruin 3: Tiscali

Tiscali is located in the mountainous region of Sardinia and features a unique cliffside settlement. The site includes houses and defensive walls, built into the natural rock. Tiscali’s location was chosen for its strategic defensive advantages, which were mainly utilized by both the Nuragic people. Tiscali’s isolation and defensive features reflect its role in regional power dynamics before Roman arrival. Excavations have uncovered artifacts from both Roman and earlier periods. 

Roman ruin 4: Archaeological Park of Nora

The Archaeological Park of Nora is located near the modern town of Pula in southern Sardinia. Nora was the first Phoenician city established in Sardinia around the 8th century BC. It was strategically located on the isthmus of Capo Pula, offering excellent sailing conditions. The city thrived under Punic rule in the 4th century BC, becoming a major commercial hub. In 238 BC, the Romans took control, and Nora became a municipium (city) in the 1st century AD.

During the Roman period, Nora experienced significant growth, reaching a population of around 8,000. It was a key administrative center, serving as the starting point for roads across the island. Today, visitors can explore its remains at the archaeological park of Pula and see artifacts in the Patroni Museum.

Phoenician and Punic layers of the city were mostly covered by Roman structures. Excavations began in 1889. The Nora stone was also uncovered in Nora, the oldest known Western document mentioning Sardinia.

At the park’s entrance, the remains of thermal baths can be found. The site also contains a villa with an atrium with mosaics, a temple, a necropolis and an aqueduct. The sanctuary of Asclepius, with its terrace covered in mosaics, was used for ritual healing.

Nora began to decline in the 5th century AD due to continued foreign attacks.

Baths:

Temples:

Roman ruin 6: Temple of Antas

The Temple of Antas is situated in southwestern Sardinia and was constructed in the first century AD. This Roman temple was dedicated to the god Sardus Pater, reflecting local religious practices. The site also includes earlier Punic and Phoenician elements at its foundations. Roman architecture at the site features classical temple design with columns and a podium.

The ruins offer insights into the blending of Roman religious practices with pre-existing Punic and Nuragic traditions.

Villas:

Roman ruin 7: Roman Villa and Nuragic Village of Saint Imbenia

The Roman Villa and Nuragic Village of Saint Imbenia are located in northern Sardinia. The site includes the remains of a Roman villa, featuring typical Roman architectural elements such as mosaic floors and bathhouses.

Adjacent to the villa are remnants of a Nuragic village, showing two distinct cultures. The Nuragic structures include stone towers and huts, thus showing pre-Roman Sardinian architecture.

The Roman villa was built over or near the Nuragic site. Artifacts from both periods have been found at the site. The site shows the interesting historical layering of Sardinian cultural influences.

Amphitheatres:

Roman ruin 8: the Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari

The Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari is located in the historic city of Cagliari, Sardinia. Constructed during the 2nd century AD, it was one of the most significant public buildings in ancient Cagliari. The amphitheater was used for a variety of events, including gladiatorial games and public spectacles. It could originally accommodate up to 10,000 spectators.

 The remains include the stone seating, partial walls, and sections of the arena floor. The amphitheater was built into the hillside, utilizing the natural slope for its construction. Over the centuries, it was partially destroyed and repurposed for other uses, including medieval and early modern activities. Excavations and restorations have revealed much about its original design and usage. 

Museums:

Roman ruin 9: Museo archeologico nazionale

The Museo Archeologico Nazionale is located in Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from various ancient Sardinian cultures. Roman artifacts in the collection include sculptures, pottery, and inscriptions. Exhibits also include remnants of Roman architecture, such as mosaics and statues. The museum also features items from earlier Phoenician and Punic periods.