Cagliari

Cagliari, Italy

The narrow and often steep granite-paved streets of Cagliari’s Castello District remind of a bygone age, when the town was dominated at first by Pisans, and later by the Aragonese. Built from white limestone, the walls and towers of the old town shimmer in the sun and are a magnificent sight, especially if you are lucky and approach the city from the sea, like the English novelist, D.H. Lawrence, did in 1921, when he described the old town as looking like a "Jerusalem without trees."

Population:

156, 000

Currency:

1 Euro = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Fire Brigade: 115
Ambulance: 118
Police: 113
Carabinieri: 112
Local Police Station: +39 070 49 21 69
Guardia Medica +39 070 52 05 52 (24 h, summer only)

Opening Hours:

Most shops are open from 08.30-09.00 till 12.30-13.00 and from 15.30-16.00 (17.00 in summer) till 19.30-20.00 Monday to Saturday with one early closing day, usually Wednesday.

Newspapers:

L’Unione Sarda
La Nuova Sardegna
Corriere della Sera (Italy’s main daily)

The City

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 is worth the effort.

Top 5

Cagliari has much to offer, from exceptional natural beauty unique to Sardinia to historic spots, testaments to a lively and spirited past, during which various cultures met and collided for centuries. Among all the experiences offered by the city and its environs, here are five not to be missed.

Do & See

Under the arcades of Via Roma, in Largo Cargo Felice and Yenne Square you will find the historical cafès of the city with their adorable outdoor tables. Here espresso and cappuccino accompanied by small puff pastries are a real ceremony.

Below Saint Remy Bastion, two pedestrian streets host mostly fashionable shops, which make them perfect for a walk and for a shopping afternoon: Via Manno and via Garibaldi.

Lastly, Castello is the ancient district perched on top of the hill, from which your gaze will reach the lagoon and lakes, taking your breath away. Here, the aristocracy and rulers of the city used to live throughout Cagliari's history. Indeed, even today the coat of arms is visible on the edifice's front doors. In Castello many places deserve a visit, so take you time to appreciate them all.

Dining

Despite the fact that Sardinia is surrounded by the sea, the best known local dish is porceddu - roasted suckling pig. This does not mean that seafood is not part of the regional tradition, however. On the contrary, along the coast you can enjoy daily fresh barbecued fish, such as striped bream, sea bass, red and grey mullet.

Sardinians are very proud of their culinary tradition, so leave Italian and international food for later and appreciate the unique flavours of local cuisine, including--but not limited to--the delicious bread "cifraxu" and regional cheeses.