A
settlement of pre-Roman origins, it
attained some importance with the name
of Nugoro from the 12th century onwards,
when it became the seat of a bishopric
in the Logudoro Giudicato. Its history
was that of the island, ie. Pisan and
Genoan domination (13th century), followed
by Aragonese and Spanish between 1323
and 1714, when it formed part of the
Kingdom of Sicily, though granted in
feud to various overlords, especially
during the 16th century.
Its appearance began to change after
1927 when it became the chief town in
the province, with the construction
of new neatly laid out urban quarters
flanking the characteristically medieval
old centre.
Its monuments include: the Duomo (neo-classical,
1854); in the vicinity stand the church
of Nostra Signora della Solitudine (17th
century, in a scenic position), the
Domus de Janas (prehistoric caves) and
the Tanca Manna nuraghe in Valverde
village.
Traditionally an agricultural and pastoral
centre, the structure of Nuoro's economy
has undergone modification over the
last few decades. It is now based mainly
on the service industries (public administration,
commerce, banking) and the construction
industry associated with urban development.
Livestock is still important, however,
particularly sheep, as is agricultural
production (olives, grapes, fruit, vegetables,
cereals). There is only a minor industrial
sector, with a few small food, engineering
and building materials manufacturers,
while the tourist attractions of the
surrounding areas, most of which are
related to Nature, are now being greatly
revaluated.
Events:
Sagra
del Redentore (folklore, August),
Concorso letterario Grazia Deledda.
Famous
People:
Sebastiano
Satta (poet, 1867-1914), Grazia Deledda
(writer, 1871-1936).
Cultural
Institutions:
State
Archives, Biblioteca `Satta', Museo
Regionale del costume e delle tradizioni
popolari (local costumes and traditions),
Museo Speleo-archeologico.
In
the Province:
Arbatax
(seaside resort, port of call, paper
mill), Aritzo (holiday village, wood
crafts), Mamoiada (carnival), Bosa
(handmade lace), Fonni (holiday village,
winter sports), Lanusei (holiday village),
Orgosolo (environmental interest),
Orosei (agricultural and commercial
centre).
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