Tempio Pausania, the granite village with Neolithic origins

The village of Tempio Pausania, whose name derives from the Latin templum and the ancient settlement of Phausania, preserves a history that dates back to the Neolithic, as evidenced by dolmens, megalithic circles, and nuraghi.

Already a leading center of Gallura, it appeared in 1300 as Villa Templi in the Giudicato of Gallura, becoming a bishopric in 1506 and receiving the title of city from Charles Albert in 1837. With the abandonment of rural stazzi at the beginning of the 20th century, Tempio experienced significant urban development and is today an industrial hub renowned for granite, cork, and wine.

The medieval historic center, with its granite palaces, tells of a prestigious past: the Cathedral of San Pietro, the Town Hall, the former Market, the Scolopi convent, and the Teatro del Carmine are splendid examples. Among the alleys stand out the residence of Nino Visconti, friend of Dante, the Liberty-style railway station, and Piazza Faber, a tribute to Fabrizio De André with an installation by Renzo Piano.

What to see in Tempio Pausania

Tempio Pausania offers a fascinating medieval historic center, enriched with monuments and evocative landscapes. The Nuraghe Majori, built with granite blocks, combines corridor and tholos elements. Monte Limbara attracts hikers with its CAI trails. The Cathedral of San Pietro, austere and majestic, dominates the square with its bell tower and the Oratory of Santa Croce. Opposite stands the Oratory of the Rosary, with precious 17th-century sculptural works. The Oratory of Purgatory, dating to 1679, features a single nave and a typical Gallurese façade.

Piazza Faber, mentioned above, is a lively meeting point. The railway station, built in the 1930s, is among the most beautiful in Sardinia and houses paintings by Giuseppe Biasi.

Events not to miss in Tempio Pausania

Lu Carrasciali Tempiesu, the most important allegorical carnival in Sardinia, attracts over one hundred thousand visitors every year. During Holy Week, on Good Friday, the village celebrates the rite of Sgraamentu and Intoppu, the moving encounter between the Virgin Mary and the Risen Christ.

In summer, the Tempio Faber Festival, dedicated to Fabrizio De André, takes place along with the Festa della Musica, Bookolica (a creative readers’ festival), and Mintuà – parole in circolo, a literary festival. The Organica Museum hosts art exhibitions from May to December, while Lastricolor transforms the streets of the center into an explosion of colors. In autumn, the Foliage Festival enlivens the woods of the Limbara Park, and throughout the year the Teatro del Carmine offers a quality theater season.

Attractions near Tempio Pausania

A short distance from the village are the splendid beaches of Gallura, including Porto Puddu—better known as Porto Pollo—whose turquoise waters attract large numbers of tourists and surfers every year. Also worth visiting is the nearby stone village of Aggius, with its characteristic Sardinian carpet workshops.

Other natural beauties near Tempio Pausania include the Rinaggiu springs, known since Roman times for their healing properties, and the Parco delle Rimembranze. Needless to say, the area is rich in nuragic sites, including the Nuraghe Izzana, the Giants’ Tombs, and the village of Monte Lu Finocchiu.

All that’s left is to discover firsthand the rich historical heritage of Tempio Pausania!

Cover photo credits: Franco Volpato