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The Casa Zapata Museum Centre
Located in the charming Marmilla region, less than an hour away from Cagliari, Casa Zapata stands as a charming 17th century palace, witness to the history of a noble family and guardian of surprising cultural treasures.
In this article, we will explore the magnificent mansion that once belonged to the Zapata family, discovering unexpected Nuragic remains: the Zapata Palace in Sardinia in fact houses a nuraghe in its interior.
The origins of the Zapata Palace
The noble residence of the Zapatas in Barumini is a palace, built at the end of the 16th century by don Azor, alcalde of Cagliari. The palace rises above the remains of a nuraghegiving the building a truly unique history.
Since 2006, this Spanish residence has been transformed into a museum centre, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of Hispanic architecture and Nuragic culture.
A Museum Full of Stories
Casa Zapata was initially focused on exploiting artefacts from the nearby Nuraghe of Barumini. Instead, archaeological discoveries revealed that the building was built right on top of a nuraghe.
The excavation work made it possible to preserve the structure of the house and to offer visitors a unique perspective, allowing them to walk on a covered nuraghe through suspended walkways and transparent floors.
Inside Casa Zapata, visitors can explore an archaeological section that includes perfectly visible parts of the nuraghe, together with a collection of artefacts from su Nuraxi Barumini.
The historical archive section houses thousands of documents that tell the story of the Zapatas since 1541, when Azor acquired the fiefdom of Barumini.
The ethnographic section also offers a fascinating insight into 20th century daily and agricultural life, with a special focus on the regional museum of Launeddas, which preserves ancient Sardinian three-pipe musical instruments.
The Casa Zapata Museum in Barumini is a museum complex organised in three sections: the Ethnographic Section, the Archaeological Section and the Historical Section. It is located in the 16th-century Spanish residence erected by the Aragonese Zapata family.
Archaeological Section
The Archaeological Section of the Casa Zapata Museum in Barumini is dedicated to the Nuragic and Roman culture of the region. The section presents a large collection of artefacts, including ceramics, basalt tools, coins and other objects of historical and archaeological value. In particular, the section is known for its nuraghe complex, which includes suspended paths and glass floors.
Ethnographic Section
The Ethnographic Section of the Casa Zapata Museum in Barumini exhibits a large collection of traditional musical instruments, costumes, everyday objects and handicrafts, representative of the culture and daily life of the Marmilla region.
Historical Section
The Historical Section of the Casa Zapata Museum in Barumini exhibits a large collection of historical objects and artefacts, including documents, books, weapons and other items of historical and cultural value. The section is dedicated to the history of the region of Barumini and the city of Cagliari.
The Casa Zapata Museum in Barumini also offers guided tours for visitors wishing to deepen their knowledge of the region's culture and history. In summary, the Casa Zapata Museum is a tourist attraction of great interest, offering a unique and rewarding cultural experience for anyone wishing to discover the history and culture of the Marmilla region.
The Architecture of Casa Zapata
Casa Zapata is a historical complex located in Barumini, Sardinia. This residence was built by the Aragonese Zapata family at the end of the 16th century. Members of this family arrived in Sardinia in 1323 in the retinue of Infante Alfonso, who was preparing to conquer the island. The Casa Zapata has been restored and now houses a museum that tells the story of the Zapata family and Sardinia.
The building is a splendid example of Hispanic architecture in Sardinia, characterised by classical lines and elegant decoration. The façade of the palace features a portal and windows with triangular tympanums, a style that reflects the classical taste of the Zapata patrons.
The Zapata mansion is an example of 16th and 17th century aristocratic architecture. The palace has undergone several restorations over the centuries, the last of which was carried out in the 1990s. The restoration made it possible to recover the original structure of the palace, which today houses the 'Casa Zapata' Museum Centre organised in three sections: the Archaeological Section, the Historical Section and the Ethnographic Section.
The Casa Zapata mansion is an important historical heritage of Sardinia and an example of the region's noble architecture.
Around Casa Zapata
Barumini is a town rich in history and tradition. The town offers many opportunities to discover the culture and traditions of Sardinia. The Romanesque Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Launeddas Museum are just some of the cultural attractions Barumini has to offer.
La Church of San Giovanni Battista in Barumini is a small, delightful Romanesque church probably consecrated in the early 14th century. Built of red vulcanite and yellow sandstone, it is a splendid example of a Romanesque church.
The Launeddas Museum is an ethnographic and historical museum dedicated to traditional Sardinian music. The museum is located near Casa Zapata in Barumini and has a section dedicated to the launeddas, the traditional musical instrument of Sardinia. The museum houses an extensive collection of launeddas. The museum is a must-see for visitors interested in Sardinian culture and traditional music.
The Nuragic complex of Su Nuraxia UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the vicinity of Casa Zapata. This archaeological site is one of the most important in Sardinia and represents an important landmark in the history of the island. This recognition is due to its historical and cultural importance, as well as its exceptional preservation. The complex has been restored and is a place of great charm and fascination, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Sardinia's thousand-year history and discover the wonders of archaeology.
The Giara of Gesturi and the Marmilla hinterland are places of great natural beauty, while the cultural heritage and local traditions make Barumini a unique place. The Casa Zapata is a must-see attraction in Sardinia and for those who want to learn about its history and culture.
Where is Casa Zapata
Close to the Nuraghe Barumini, Casa Zapata is located in central-southern Sardinia
Casa Zapata Opening Hours
The Casa Zapata museum centre in Barumini is open daily from 09.00 to 17.00/17.30 in winter and until 20.00 in summer.
access by ticket only
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Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Casa Zapata?
Casa Zapata is located in Barumini in central southern Sardinia
What are the opening hours of the Casa Zapata museum in Barumini?
Casa Zapata in Barumini is open daily from 09.00 to 17.00/17.30 in winter and until 20.00 in summer.
How can I buy tickets to visit the Palazzo Zapata in Barumini?
Tickets to visit the Palazzo Zapata in Barumini can be purchased directly at the museum ticket office. Alternatively, tickets for the museum can be purchased during the visit to the Nuraghe Barumini.
Who was the Zapata family and what role did they play in the history of Barumini?
The Zapata family was a noble Aragonese family that arrived in Sardinia in 1323 in the retinue of Infante Alfonso, who was preparing to conquer the island. In 1541, the family acquired the Baronia of Las Plassas, Barumini and Villanovafranca, becoming owners of several lands and palaces in the area. The Palazzo Zapata in Barumini was built by the family in the 16th century and today houses the Casa Zapata museum.
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