Cagliari

Cagliari, the capital of the Sardinia, is one of the seven royal cities and also one of the most ancient of the Island, as prove the traces of human settlements going back to the end of the IV millennium B.C. (as for example those uncovered in the domus de janas of San Bartolomeoas and Sant'Elia). Characterized by nine hills, some of those host wide public parks, this city offer also other beautiful natural views: some humid zones rich in avifauna (the ponds of Molentargius and Santa Gilla) and the long beach of the Poetto.

Cagliari is rich of archaeological sites: from the necropolis of Tuvixeddu to the numerous evidences of the long permanence of the Romans, above all the Amphitheater, as those of the Pisans (the whole quarter of Castello with its fortifications) and, in smaller part, of the Spanish.
By tens are the churches present in the Sardinian capital, many of them are well worth a visit. In the first place is the Basilica of San Saturnino (VI century A.D.), then the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and the Basilica of Nostra Signora di Bonaria. In the quarter of Villanova instead, you will find the churches of San Domenico (XIII century) and San Mauro (XVII century). Between the Marina and Stampace there are two important sites also for their archaeological diggings, Sant’Eulalia and Sant’Agostino, but very fascinating are the churches of Sant’Ignazio, San Michele and of the Santo Sepolcro.
The Bastione di San Remy, that dominates the commercial and the pedestrian area of the old town center, is probably the only great monument of this city that, moreover, offers cultural cues and also museum pathways. We suggest visiting the Cittadella dei Musei, that has been obtained in the shelter of the Castle and accommodates the Museo Archeologico Nazionale (the National Archaeological Museum), the Pinacoteca Nazionale (the national picture-gallery), the Museo d'Arte Siamese (the Siamese Art Museum) “Cardu” and one nineteenth-century collection of anatomical waxes.

In Cagliari you will find numerous goldsmith' s shop, especially in the old town center: in Castello work some artists that realize beautiful cameos. Going through the streets of the old town center, it is easy to find restaurants and “trattorie” in which you can taste the many specialties of Campidano, both fish and meat or vegetables based dishes.

The Festival of Sant’Efisio is the event for excellence, that attracts hundred thousand visitors. On 1st May the capital pays homage to the martyr Saint that, in accordance with the legend, centuries ago he rescued Cagliari from a serious plague. It is an appointment that sums up colours, sounds and flavours of the whole Sardinia, between sacred and profane. Very interesting are also the rituals of the Holy Week since they preserve the centuries old traditions, imported in good part by the Spanish.

Cagliari has a port and an airport: this last is connected to national and international stations.