Cagliari attractions

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Cagliari, as the center of Sardinia island, has a unique atmosphere. It’s a truly authentic city, perfect for a short trip!

Located in the southern part of Sardinia, which belongs to Italy, it sits in the center of the Gulf of Angels (Golfo degli Angeli). Just like Rome, Lisbon, and Istanbul, Cagliari is built on seven hills, which today form the different districts of the city.

Cagliari attractions

Castello di San Michele

One of Cagliari’s most significant medieval buildings rises on a hilltop.

The castle, built in the 12th century, was owned by the famous Spanish Carroz family from the 14th century. During this period, it served both as a fortress and noble residence. The castle is a massive, rectangular structure bordered by three towers. It’s a typical example of medieval fortifications with thick stone walls.

Today, it functions as a cultural and artistic center. Numerous temporary exhibitions, concerts, and events are held here. From the castle grounds and terrace, there is a breathtaking view of Cagliari, the Molentargius salt lakes, and the surrounding hills.

Cathedral (Cattedrale di Cagliari)

One of Sardinia’s most important religious and historical buildings is located in the historic Castello district.

It was built in the 13th century in Pisan style and became the episcopal seat of Sardinia in 1258. The cathedral’s facade bears the characteristics of Romanesque and Pisan styles. Made from carved stone, its detailed decoration is impressive, especially the geometric patterns and meticulously crafted carvings.

The interior is richly decorated with Baroque elements, including frescoes, gilded ornaments, and marble inlays. The main altar is particularly noteworthy, made in the 18th century from finely worked marble. Beneath the cathedral is a richly decorated crypt where the remains of many Sardinian martyrs are kept.

Bastione di Saint Remy

This historically important structure is located not far from the cathedral.

It was built in the late 1890s and early 1900s to connect the Castello district with the lower-lying Marina and Villanova districts. It was named after a viceroy who served in Sardinia, Baron de Saint-Remy. Originally used for military defense, it later took on a representative role and became a venue for important social events.

Built in classical and neoclassical style, it’s made of white and yellowish limestone, a material characteristic of Sardinia. The monumental triumphal arch is the central element, providing an elegant passage to the upper terrace. From the terrace, which is popular with both locals and tourists, there is a wonderful view of the city, the port, and the nearby Poetto beach.

Elephant Tower (Torre dell’Elefante)

Another important historical building in the Castello district.

The tower was erected in 1307 under the direction of Giovanni Capula, a famous Sardinian architect. It was built by the Republic of Pisa for defensive purposes to protect Cagliari from Aragonese invasions. Standing nearly 30 meters tall, it offers an impressive view of the city and the sea.

The tower gets its name from a small elephant statue on one of its sides. Despite its small size, the stone-carved figure has important symbolic significance.

Roman Amphitheater (Anfiteatro Romano di Cagliari)

One of Sardinia’s most important ancient monuments is located in the western part of the city, on the Buon Cammino hill.

It was built in the 2nd century AD when Cagliari flourished as an important city of the Roman Empire. Various events were held in the arena, including gladiator fights. The arena is oval-shaped, and the curved structure of the stands was made with the precision characteristic of Roman architecture.

In the Middle Ages, the site was used as a quarry, so a significant part of the original structure was destroyed. Thanks to excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries, it has been preserved for posterity.

Tuvixeddu Necropolis

One of Cagliari’s most unique sites is considered one of Europe’s largest surviving ancient necropolises.

It originally served as a burial place for the Carthaginians (Punics). The tombs were carved into rocks, and many were adorned with rich decorations and paintings. The Romans expanded it, adding their own burial customs and tomb structures.

There are hundreds of rock-carved tombs. Some of the tombs consist of larger chambers where the dead were placed with ceremonial objects and gifts.

Basilica of San Saturnino

One of the most significant monuments of early Christianity in Sardinia, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Saint Saturninus.

Saturninus, a young Christian martyr, suffered martyrdom in Cagliari in the 3rd or 4th century. The basilica was built over his grave, which was considered a pilgrimage site by early Christians. In the Middle Ages, the basilica was an important center of local church life, but it fell into ruins in the 11th century. It was completely restored in the 20th century.

The architecture of the basilica shows a unique blend of early Christian and Byzantine styles. Inside, there are separate chapels where relics and religious artifacts are kept.

Sardinian Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari)

Sardinia’s most important museum showcases the island’s thousands of years of history and archaeological treasures.

The museum’s exhibitions present Sardinia’s history in chronological order from prehistory to the Middle Ages:

• Nuragic culture (1800-500 BC): famous bronze statues depicting warriors, animals, and mythological figures can be viewed here. The exhibition showcases the island’s iconic stone structures, the nuraghi, which are impressive examples of Bronze Age civilization.
• Punic and Carthaginian period (8th-3rd century BC): the grave goods display rich Punic-era objects, including ceramics, jewelry, and sculptures.
• Roman period (3rd century BC – 5th century AD): Roman-era mosaics reflect the island’s wealth and Roman integration. Special items, such as accessories from Roman baths and statues, show everyday Roman culture.
• Byzantine and medieval Sardinia: relics of Byzantine Christianity, such as Christian icons and religious objects, are also found in the collection.

All information can be found here!

San Benedetto Market

Considered Cagliari’s famous and largest market, it’s one of the best places in the city to buy authentic Sardinian foods and products.

The market is particularly famous for its wide selection of fresh fish and seafood. Visitors can buy numerous local fish, crabs, shellfish, and other seafood, such as the famous bottarga (dried fish roe). Sardinian sweets, such as sebadas (cheese and honey-filled pastry) and amaretti (almond cookies), can also be found.

Monte Urpinu Park

One of Cagliari’s largest and most beautiful parks is located near the center.

One of the park’s biggest attractions is the breathtaking view of the Gulf of Cagliari and the surrounding landscape. It’s worth visiting for this reason.

Spiaggia del Poetto

Cagliari’s famous beach is one of the city’s most popular resorts and one of Sardinia’s most iconic beaches.

The 8-kilometer-long sandy beach is located in the southern part of the city, right near the city center, making it easily accessible. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars alongside the beach.

„Devil’s Saddle” (Sella del Diavolo)

The famous natural formation is located near Cagliari, on the southern coast of the city.

The huge rock rises above the sea and offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding landscape, including Cagliari, Poetto Beach, and the Gulf of Cagliari. It’s easily accessible on foot, and numerous hiking trails lead up to the rock.

It got its name from a local legend. According to the story, the devil sat on the rock on a horse, and its shape formed a rider’s saddle.