Tempio Pausania in color: The story behind the painted streets

A city of granite with a joyful twist — that’s the best way to describe Tempio Pausania.
Every summer, this northern Sardinian town transforms its historic centre into an open-air canvas bursting with color. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind the project, its meaning, and practical tips for visiting it yourself.

What will you see?

In the old town — mainly Corso Matteotti and Via Roma — the granite paving stones are temporarily painted in bright patterns and geometric designs.
Think vivid stripes, bold color blocks, and playful details that stand out beautifully against the cool grey granite.
Sometimes murals and painted façades appear too, adding even more life to the streets.

This annual community art project is a participatory urban-art event where residents — especially children — paint the streets together. The result is a joyful ribbon of color that gives Tempio’s centre a festive summer look.
All paint used is eco-friendly and washable, so the colors are temporary and fade naturally through rain, traffic, and cleaning.

Why Tempio Pausania?

A city of granite and contrast

Tempio Pausania is often called the “città di pietra” — the city of stone.
Its grey granite gives it a strong, sober appearance, and the colorful patterns bring brightness and warmth, as if a summer filter has been laid over the city.

Local pride and collaboration

The street paintings started as small community art projects. Over the years they’ve grown into a symbol of local pride and togetherness.
Families, schools, associations, and shop owners all take part — literally coloring their city together.

Authentic charm

Tempio Pausania isn’t a classic tourist hotspot — and that’s exactly its charm.
The painted streets give the town a unique visual identity, surprising visitors without feeling staged or commercial.

Who creates the artwork?

The initiative is led by local artists and community organizations, supported by the municipality.
You’ll often see familiar creative faces coordinating the materials and patterns, but the real magic lies in the volunteers — without the help of residents, schools, and families, this project wouldn’t exist.

Meaning and visual language

The designs often reference Sardinian symbols and Gallura’s rugged landscape:

• Geometric shapes & woven patterns – inspired by traditional Sardinian textiles.

• Nature motifs – leaves, flowers, and animals reflecting the granite mountains and cork-oak forests around Tempio.

• Memory & story – small details that echo the local culture and history.

Alongside the painted streets, you’ll also find other creative projects such as Piazza Faber with its colourful sails — a tribute to singer-songwriter Fabrizio De André — and occasional street-art interventions during cultural events. Together they shape the visual identity of the town.

A brief timeline

• 2010s: First small-scale street painting actions in the centre.

• Following years: The project becomes an annual summer tradition, expanding in scope and participation.

• Today: The painted street patterns are a seasonal signature, drawing visitors who plan their trips around it.

(Dates and details may vary slightly each year — check local updates before visiting.)

Practical tips for your visit

Best time to go
Late June to August is the ideal period to see the streets at their most colorful.
Later in the season, some colors may have faded naturally.

Where exactly
Start at Corso Matteotti and Via Roma.
Wander through the alleys — you’ll often find extra painted corners and hidden walls.

Parking
Head for the station or bus square (set your GPS to Stazione Tempio Pausania) — from there it’s a short walk into the centre.

Respect the art
The paint is biodegradable and washable.
Avoid cycling over wet paint or spilling drinks and gum — help keep the art clean and intact.

Photo tips

• Golden hour: soft light makes the granite glow and deepens the colors.

• Higher perspective: shoot from stairs or balconies for the full pattern view.

• Details: close-ups of brush strokes and cracks in the granite make beautiful contrasts.

• After rain: colors look fresh and reflective, but check if the paint is dry.

Combine your visit

• Monte Limbara: nearby granite formations, cork oaks and wide panoramas — a perfect nature contrast to the painted streets.

• Nuraghi near Tempio: ancient stone towers that tell Sardinia’s prehistoric story; the impressive Nuraghe Majori is just outside town.

• Lunch in town: small cafés and trattorias are within walking distance for a relaxed break.