What to see in Cagliari

Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia. A city rich in history that has streets bustling with life. It is an unmissable place that is only 70 km from our B&B Orroli. During your vacation in “Wild Sardinia” and having visited some beautiful places like Lake Mulargia and neighboring areas, such as Isili, you cannot miss a trip to the city.

The proximity makes going on a day trip a piece of cake (read about where to eat in Orroli for a good meal when you return). Even if the sea and heavenly places like the Sella del Diavolo tempt you, a look at the culture can also surprise and amaze: here’s what to see in Cagliari for a wonderful vacation in Sardinia.

THE DISTRICT “IL CASTELLO” OF CAGLIARI

The Castle is the oldest district of Cagliari and one of the most important symbols of the city. Walking through its streets, you will have the opportunity to discover many secrets of this beautiful part of Sardinia. Once it was the place where the nobles lived (hence the name), and it is precisely for this reason that some of the most beautiful and significant monuments of the city are located here. Among the places in Cagliari that we absolutely recommend for you not to miss are:

• The City Palace. It has a small museum with collections of Sardinian objects, fabrics, and paintings (the ticket costs €5.00);
• The Tower of the Elephant and the Tower of San Pancrazio. Together with the dome of the cathedral, they give life to the unmistakable skyline of Cagliari. Dating back to 1300, they are built according to the Pisan style and you can access them to observe the city from above (the towers are currently closed for renovation);
• The garden under the walls: we have already talked about this place during our itinerary 7 days in Sardinia, and we can’t help but include it in this list as well. A vacation is also characterized by relaxation. This is the right place to rest in the shade with a light breeze and the smell of the sea in the air.

What to visit Cagliari? Starting your visit in the neighborhood “The Castle”, you will have the opportunity to discover upon your arrival a part of the history of the city.

WHAT TO SEE IN CAGLIARI: THE CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Santa Cecilia is one of the symbols of Cagliari. Although the main style is Pisan, by visiting it, you can find various influences, such as Gothic and Baroque, which make this place a small architectural gem in Sardinia.

The crypt of the Cathedral of Cagliari contains the relics of almost 180 martyrs as well as some tombs belonging to the House of Savoy.

THE MUSEUM OF THE CATHEDRAL OF CAGLIARI

After visiting the cathedral, if you are looking for what to do in Cagliari with a focus on the history and religiosity of the place, you can hop over to the Museum of the Cathedral. Inside, there are numerous collections of silverware, sculptures, and paintings that are developed among 5 floors. From here, you can also enjoy a view of the gulf (a visit at sunset will double the beauty of this place).

Admission is free up to 8 years old. The full ticket price is €4.00 and there are discounts and concessions for groups.

THE CITADEL OF CAGLIARI AND THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

If you are looking for something cultural and unobtainable to see in Cagliari, the citadel of Cagliari is the right place for your visit. Just like a museum, some of the most important museums of Sardinia are grouped together here. Among the places not to be missed during your stay in Cagliari are:

• The National Picture Gallery. The Sardinian museum par excellence, not only because it is located in Cagliari, but also because it houses works by artists from the island, thereby enhancing this place (as Sa Pardina wants to help local artists with its project). The full ticket costs €4.00.
• The Siamese Art Museum: a “little Asia” inside Cagliari. We do not want to give anything away; just know that it will surprise you.
• The Archaeological Museum of Cagliari deserves some of your time and attention. It is one of the most important museums in Sardinia. The journey through history leads from the Neolithic to the Roman period while passing through the Nuragic civilization. Among the most important works are the 2 meter high statues of the Giants of Mont’e Prama. Entrance to the museum costs €9.00.

WHAT TO SEE IN CAGLIARI BEFORE LEAVING: THE MARKET OF SAN BENEDETTO

You can’t leave Cagliari before dropping by the Mercato di San Benedetto. Sardinia has culture in every nuance, including food and wine. Visiting the Market will make you feel part of the Sardinian people and the delicacies that you will find will make you lose the desire to leave Sardinia. Besides cheeses and cold cuts, here you will find fish and seafood specialties (needless to say, everything is fresh!).

The market is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm (so, for lunch, you know where to go!).

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These are the most exclusive and unmissable things to see in Cagliari. If you have already been to the city and you are looking for something even more unique and secret, Paolo and all the staff members of Sa Pardina are at your disposal.