Luxurious villas in Italy set the tone for a relaxing and exquisite vacation in one of the most beautiful countries in all of Europe. Yet while some of you focus on the beaches and cuisine of the popular country, others are hoping to see the sights and explore the history of the local culture. If you consider yourself a bit of an amateur historian and your vacation leads you to the Sardinia area, then a trip to the Su Nuraxi di Barumini site should find its  way onto your itinerary.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Su Nuraxi di Barumini is an ancient archaeological site that dates all the way back to the 16th century BC. The site's name translates to "the nuraghe," a common type of defensive structure found throughout the region through the Bronze Age.

Today, the site is a large complex of ancient structures centering on a three-story tower that rises from the earth. Since its discovery in the 1950's, much of the area has been excavated, revealing many secondary structures and providing the best timeline for the prehistoric roots of Sardinia.

After a day exploring the ruins, it will be nice to return to luxury vacation rentals to wash the dust off and relax in more modern accouterments.