Exploring the Enchanting City of Cagliari, Sardinia
Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is a city steeped in history and adorned with breathtaking views of the sea. With its elegant shopping streets, panoramic terraces, and picturesque historical districts, it is a city that captivates the hearts of its visitors. In this article, we will take a closer look at the enchanting city of Cagliari and all that it has to offer.
Exploring the Historical Districts
Cagliari is a city with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The Castello quarter, which sits atop the city’s highest hill, is the heart and soul of the city’s nightlife. It boasts ancient bastions that offer stunning views of the city, picturesque streets lined with grand old homes such as Palazzo Regio and Palazzo di Città, as well as the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria. The medieval towers – dell’Elefante and San Pancrazio – that guard the entrance to the castle are also well worth a visit.
The Villanova district, connected to the Castello quarter via the stairway of the bastione di Saint Remy, is a place of religious devotion during Holy Week, but the rest of the year, it welcomes visitors to its elegant boutiques and churches such as the cloister of San Domenico, the Church of San Saturnio, and the Basilica di Nostra Signora di Bonaria, the Christian temple of Sardinia.
The Marina quarter, located below Castello, will impress you with its lovely buildings and porticos of Via Roma, including the Palazzo Civico. It is the symbol of the town’s multi-ethnicity and home to the Church of Sant’Eulalia, which houses precious remains from the Roman era.
The Stampace quarter, venue of the colorful yearly festival of Sant’Efisio in May, is a place where narrow streets lead to the baroque Church of Sant’Anna. Nearby, you can visit one of Sardinia’s most important Roman ruins, the Anfiteatro, and the Botanical gardens, a green oasis in the city’s center.
Natural Attractions in Cagliari
Cagliari offers a thousand different natural attractions to explore, from the Cagliari lagoon to the Molentargius-Saline park, which you can visit on a mountain bike to see the pink flamingos take flight. Of course, there is also the sea, and the city’s 8 km long soft sandy beach, Poetto, is perfect for taking a dip or a stroll along its walking trail and cycling path. At night, Poetto reveals its more glamorous side, and you can take an excursion to Calamosca and Sella del Diavolo from there.
Cuisine in Cagliari
The local cuisine in Cagliari is a must-try. Enjoy spaghetti with bottarga (cured mullet or tuna roe) and artichokes, burrida made with catshark and walnuts, and fregula con cocciula, balls of semola with clams.
Conclusion
Cagliari is a city that has something for everyone. Its rich history, picturesque historical districts, natural attractions, and delicious cuisine make it a destination that should not be missed. So pack your bags and head to Cagliari to experience the magic for yourself!
