Noragugume

Geography and Demographics: Noragugume is a small agropastoral village situated at an altitude of 288 meters above sea level, with a population of 286 inhabitants as of December 31, 2021. It is located in the west-central part of the Province of Nuoro, bordering the Province of Oristano, just north of Lake Omodeo and south of the Marghine mountain range.
Origin of the Name: Attested in 1341 and subsequent documents as Noracucuma, its precise etymology is unclear, though scholars suggest it may belong to the protosardinian linguistic layer or derive from a pot-shaped nuraghe.
Economy: The local economy relies heavily on traditional agriculture (producing cereals, wheat, vegetables, fodder, olives, and grapes) and livestock farming (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, and poultry). Secondary and tertiary sectors are modestly developed.

Historical Milestones: The territory has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by monuments like the Sa Pedra ’e Taleri menhir and various nuraghi. During the Middle Ages, the village belonged to the Giudicato of Torres (Curatoria of Marghine) under the name Nuracogomo or Noracucuma. Later, it passed to the judges of Arborea and then to the Aragonese.
Administrative Shifts: In the 18th century, it became part of the Marquessate of Marghine under the Pimentel family. It shifted to the Province of Nuoro in 1927, was annexed to Borore (later renamed Dualchi) in 1928, and finally regained full administrative autonomy as an independent municipality in 1946.

January 16–17: Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot (Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate).
Tuesday after Pentecost: Feast of the Madonna d’Itria (Festa della Madonna d’Itria), which features an Ardia (a traditional horse race around the church).
June 24: Feast of Saint John (Festa di San Giovanni).
July 25: Feast of Saint James (Festa di San Giacomo), the town’s patron saint.

Town Hall: Located at Piazza IV Novembre 1, housing the municipal offices.
Church of the Blessed Virgin / Madonna d’Itria: Built in 1623 in the Catalan-Gothic style, featuring a red trachyte portal, a gable bell tower, a single nave with side chapels, and a monumental altarpiece (retablo).
Parish Church of Saint James the Apostle: Originally dating back to the 17th century, the current structure was newly rebuilt in 1960.
Church of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce): A small medieval church erected around 1500 (likely 1593).

Sa Pedra ’e Taleri Menhir: Located about 1.5 kilometers outside the town along a secondary path, this is the tallest proto-anthropomorphic menhir in the Marghine region, standing at 4.30 meters. Locals often refer to it by the Sardinian name Pedra Fitta. Several domus de janas are also present nearby.
Nuraghe Tolinu: A complex nuraghe situated about 2.5 kilometers south of the town via the SP86 towards Sedilo, featuring an ellipltical central tower, an extensive defensive bastion, and remaining structural heights exceeding eight meters.

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