Piazza Sebastiano Satta

Piazza Sebastiano Satta was created on the site of the historic Piazza Plebiscito, where the house of the poet still stands. It is located in the heart of Nuoro, between Corso Garibaldi and the Santu Predu district.

In the 1960s, the Municipality of Nuoro commissioned Sardinian artist Costantino Nivola (1911–1988) to redesign the square, a project he completed in 1967. Nivola’s vision was not limited to erecting a single monument in honor of the poet. Instead, he created a full urban intervention, transforming the entire square into a harmonious and symbolic space.

He designed a bright, unified backdrop by having all surrounding buildings painted white. The irregularly shaped square is paved with large granite slabs, and features eight massive blocks of raw granite sourced from nearby Monte Ortobene.

Within the crevices of these granite boulders, Nivola embedded small bronze sculptures that depict Sebastiano Satta at various stages of his life. Additional geometric granite blocks throughout the square serve as informal seating areas.

A unique feature of the square is revealed when standing on one of the smaller granite cubes and looking toward Monte Ortobene: nestled between the silhouettes of the buildings, one can glimpse the outline of the Statue of the Redeemer.

Another intriguing detail: due to the different textures of the granite paving, when the surface is wet, a perfect circle becomes visible at a specific point in the square.

Piazza Satta is a powerful symbol of Nuoro’s cultural identity - a place where art, history, and tradition come together. Its unique atmosphere and deep significance make it a must-see for anyone visiting the city. More than just a tourist stop, it offers a true immersion into Barbagian spirit and creativity.