It is perched on the slopes of Mount Maiore, at the northern border of Marmilla, surrounded by wide valleys, springs, rock cliffs and unique-looking granitic formations. Nureci is a charming town of about 400 inhabitants, who live mainly off farming, shepherding and stone carving. The town was once part of the Part’e Valenza curatorial (administrative district) of the Giudicato of Arborea. Today’s built-up area dates to the second half of the 15th century: present day Nureci was settled by the inhabitants of Genadas, who left their village due to bandit raids. Next to the small country Church of the Madonna d’Itria, there are ruins of the ancient villa (village). On the first Tuesday after Pentecost, a celebration of Byzantine origins is held here. The town has retained some older corners: buildings from early 19th century catch the eye, including the Baronial Palace of the Touffani and courtyard houses with architraves, balconies and beautiful gates, elements characteristic of Nureci. The squares and streets of the historical centre, paved with cobbles and decorated with fountains and murals, radiate away from the 17th century Church of Santa Barbara, the patron of miners.