The provincial capital of Nuoro (546m/1,802ft; pop. 37,000), is charmingly situated on a hillside, between limestone hills of Alpine type to the south and the peak of Ortobene (995m/3,284ft; view) to the east. Beautiful local costumes are worn on the feast of the Savior (last Sunday in August). Nuoro was the birthplace of the writer Grazia Deledda (1893-1936; Nobel prize 1926). At the southeast end of the town is the 19th century Neo-Classical cathedral.
Worth visiting is the Civico Museo Speleo-Archeologico, where finds from caves and prehistoric material can be seen, inculding menhirs. 1.5km/1mi northeast are the pilgrimage church of Nostra Signora della Solitudine.
The Feast of San Francesco is celebrated in the sanctuary of San Francesco in early May. The faithful make their way to the sanctuary on foot while offering votive candles.