Cagliari Travel Guide

Cagliari, situated on the southern coast of Sardinia is the island’s capital city. Those arriving by plane or by boat will be impressed by the Castle rock, the area that is the symbol of the actual city, which is surrounded by the old walls interrupted only by the Bastion of Saint Remy and its panoramic terraces.

Between the towers of the Elephant and of San Pancrazio, the area of Castello encloses a charming warren of alleyways, beautiful noble buildings and valuable monuments. Interesting sights are the cathedral of Santa Maria dating back to the 13th century, the Viceregal Palace, where the Spanish and Pisan viceroys used to live and the Cittadella dei Musei (Museums Village) situated in the complex that used to house the Arsenal, which brings together the National Archaeological Museum, the National Picture-gallery and other museums.

The historic districts of Marina, Stampace and Villanova lay at the foot of the Castle. In Stampace, it is possible to visit the monuments of roman epoch, such as the Roman amphitheater, which every summer hosts various shows, the ruins of Tigellio’s villa, a mosaic living complex. The Botanic Garden, with its valuable collection of officinal plants, the Baroque style church of San Michele and the church of Sant’Efisio, the patron saint of the island, in whose honor every year on the 1st of May there is a procession of folk groups from all over Sardinia, all deserve a mention. The district ends with Palazzo Civico on the corner of the spectacular Largo Felice, which, in Art Nuoveau style, dates back to the early 20th century.

Marina, the lively quarter next to the port of Cagliari, unfolds behind the classic scenes of the buildings of via Roma. Amongst the colorful shops and restaurants there are precious architectural examples such as the church of Sant’Antonio, in Baroque style, the Renaissance church of the Santo Sepolcro (Saint sepulchre), with the frescoed crypt and the church of Sant’Eulalia, in Gothic-Catalan style, with the archaeological area and the Treasury Museum.

In the district of Villanova that stretches out under the bank, the leafy walk at the foot of the Castle’s walls, are the church of San Mauro, dating back to the 17th century and the crypt of San Domenico, with the splendid cloister in Gothic-Aragonese style. Further on, the Exmà, the former slaughter-house that has been converted into a culture and art centre hosting interesting art exhibitions is worth a visit.Cagliari’s beach, Il Poetto, is a long sandy beach with a large variety of facilities including water sports, bars and restaurants. Other more secluded beaches are found driving away from the city along the coast. 

Driving south towards Teulada, you’ll meat the sandy Baia Chia, Malfatano and Tuerredda; driving north of Cagliari along the “Orientale Sarda” route you’ll get to Villasimius and Muravera.  

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