A ticket to Cagliari in Sardinia will give a truly paradise vacation ti any traveler. Cagliari (Italian Cagliari, in Sardinian Casteddu – literally “Castle”) is the largest town on the island. It is attractive for its ancient history, charming castles, cathedrals, museums, warm sea and white sand beaches, unique ancient theaters, green parks as well as the variety of modern bars, discos, restaurants, luxury shops and hotels.
The history of the city is replete and exciting: Cagliari was captured for many times by the representatives of different civilizations each of which left a significant mark in the history of the city. Cagliari was the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia from the XIV to the XIX centuries; the city was an important cultural, religious, educational and political center at that time. During the years of the Second World War Cagliari was almost destroyed and devastated but later was restored by the citizens. Now it amazes everyone with its extraordinary beauty.
Sardinian capital can be divided into two cities – an old and a new one in each of which has a plenty of interesting attractions and sights of interest.
You can start your tour to the old city with a medieval fortress and the Bastion of San Remy. In the old days the walls Il Castello, or as it is called by the islanders Su Casteddu, performed a defensive function and completely surrounded the city; two old white towers are all that remains today. Bastion of San Remy is a huge structure built in the XIX century with high arches and beautiful long staircases connecting the upper and lower Cagliari being a continuation of the medieval walls of the old city. The top of the bastion is undoubtedly the best viewing platform of the city (Terazza di Umberto). You can admire the beauty of the city roofs and azure sea with a cup of delicious coffee or a glass of local wine in the cozy bars and restaurants located in the bastion.
The Cathedral or St. Mary rises on Palace Square hitting with its magnificence. The was a fortified citadel on the site of the Cathedral earlier (in the XIII century). citadel. In 1258 Cagliari and the whole Island were captured by Pisa what caused considerable destructions and wracks to the city. The Church of St. Mary received the status of the Cathedral during these events. Today it is an impressive edifice with magnificent painted ceilings, antique wall paintings, elegant columns, sculptures and art works of the Flemish and Romanesque art. Concerts of classical and religious music are held in the Cathedral every Saturday.
On the Arsenal square
There is the main museum of Cagliari – National Archaeological Museum – on the Arsenal Square. Here you can see ancient stony images of gods, the first jewelry, weapons, the first bronze statues as well as the treasures of the Roman civilization – the luxurious gifts to the emperors, ceramics, glassware and the first colored glass ornaments, gold and jewelry.
The ancient theater with the scene that once was the stage of gladiator fights, chariot races and hunt of wild animals is one of the most ancient buildings in Cagliari (II century). It is carved into the rock with the total area of about 6,000 m2. It can accommodate more than 10 thousand people! A significant part of the structure was dismantled and used in the construction of later buildings, but the ancient amphitheater is still popular among the tourists and art lovers: there are always a variety of concerts, performances and festivals in the open air.
Cagliari is not only rich with historical sites, it is also a city with many parks. Resting in Cagliari you can have a walk or cycle in the Molentargius Park. It is one of the most important parks of Europe: Egyptian egrets, black cormorants, pochards, black-wing storks and the famous pink flamingos are living on its territory.
The city is also famous for its botanical garden. The most amazing thing regarding the garden is that earlier the dumb was situated on its territory; by the beginning of the XX century there were about 400 species of plants.
Today there are more than 1,000 popular tours in Cagliari which offer unforgettable holidays on the local beaches: the main and most famous of them is the Poetto Beach. Fans of spa vacation will appreciate it: eight kilometers of sand, bars on the coast, ancient ruins in the picturesque hills. Marie Pintau will undoubtedly give thrills and wonderful vacation for htose who prefer quite secluded beaches to crowded and noisy ones
Cagliari invites the most restless travelers to the water park of Diverland. This is a true water city where you can not only ride and roll but to spend the night in a three-star hotel, snack in the bars, recharge in the fitness clubs, buy souvenirs in the shops, enjoy live music in discos and restaurants. Shoppers will be able to relieve themselves on the street Via Roma. It is rich with a variety of shops and boutiques. The famous supermarket La Rinascente is also located here.
The capital of Sardinia does not fall asleep in the night: numerous bars, cafes, restaurants, discos are open all the day with most of them situating in the old city. Cagliari is the city with a seething life raging among the medieval walls. You can feel like in a fairytale in the midst of shady trees and completely forget about all the problems on the white sandy beaches.
Cagliari – a city worthy to visit!
