Provided by:
Roman Babakin/Shutterstock.com
Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.
*this will be downloaded as a PDF.Price
€4,95
The City
The guide was updated:
Cagliari, or "castle" in Sardinian dialect, is the capital of the Italian island of Sardinia. Although most of the present town was built after the 12th century, Cagliari, like the rest of the island, was first settled by Phoenicians, who called the town Kàralis or "city of rock", and then by the Carthaginians. The Romans also left their mark by constructing a fine amphitheatre and some villas, but it was not until the 12th century that Cagliari saw a settled period again, first under the Pisans, followed by the Aragonese, and eventually by the Dukes of Savoy, who styled themselves as Kings of Sardinia.
Modern Cagliari reflects all of these influences. Around the most ancient part of the city, the Marina and Stampace districts are dotted with refined buildings from the XIX century. Via Roma, parallel to the boardwalk, houses a large array of shops, while the side streets Largo Carlo Felice and Via Regina Margherita offer the perfect frame for a walk to the castle. Castello District is the largest heritage left by the Pisans and the Aragonese. The road to reach it can be challenging (lifts are available), but its beauty and the amazing view that you will enjoy over Santa Gilla Lagoon and the lakes are worth the effort.
Modern Cagliari reflects all of these influences. Around the most ancient part of the city, the Marina and Stampace districts are dotted with refined buildings from the XIX century. Via Roma, parallel to the boardwalk, houses a large array of shops, while the side streets Largo Carlo Felice and Via Regina Margherita offer the perfect frame for a walk to the castle. Castello District is the largest heritage left by the Pisans and the Aragonese. The road to reach it can be challenging (lifts are available), but its beauty and the amazing view that you will enjoy over Santa Gilla Lagoon and the lakes are worth the effort.