The areas of Cagliari was inhabited since prehistoric times and around the XI century BC hosted the first commercial ports of the Phoenicians, later replaced by a Punic colony.

Traces of this past can be found in the Pisan Tower of the Elephant or the remains of the fortifications of the acropolis, where they found some large blocks of limestone from that period. Just as in the rock at the edge of the necropolis.

Later period is the sanctuary discovered in the center of Cagliari in Via Malta, in which the structure of Greek origin are reflected Punic various components: the sacred area fenced with one side closed within a staircase reaching up to a rectangular podium on poszionato which was a shrine in front of a portico resting on four columns.

Large number of evidences derived from the Roman Karalis. Capital of the whole island, the navy base, commercial port and town hall from the first century BC, the town expanded mainly in the second and third centuries AD The most significant monument to this day this is the amphitheater carved into the rock wall of the valley of the castle, where there was the acropolis. Built in the second century AD, has an elliptical shape in which only the southernmost part masonry welcomed more than 10,000 spectators.

A group of Roman houses, built in the Republican era, the architectural components can, as atriums, arcades, mosaic floors, painted walls. On one side of the avenue of Sant'Avendrace is the tomb of the Viper, carved into the rock, with two snakes carved on the front. It was the tomb of Attilia Pompilia, wife of Cassio Filippo, exiled on the island. The woman gave her life to the gods, to heal her husband from a serious disease.

Stop at the Museum
In the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari Piazza Arsenale, you can visit important archaeological materials from around the Cagliaritanoma also from other parts of the island.

Cagliari has its roots in prehistoric Sardinia. Its history has witnessed the birth of civilization capable of creating organized and free society, characterized by intense trade and cultural exchanges with the peoples of the Mediterranean. Cagliari, as the whole island, is the layering of all cultures who have lived and occupied its territory: a set of languages, architectures, arts and culinary traditions. The first town center was created by the Phoenicians, but it was the Romans who gave Cagliari a physiognomy of "city" with the construction of roads, aqueducts and ports that have transformed in capital of the island. After Rome, the city was conquered and occupied by the Byzantines, from the Spanish for nearly 400 years until the domain Piemontese concluded in the second half of the nineteenth century.

Cagliari, a lively center of cultural activities, proudly keeps alive the memory of his complex and fascinating history. On the outskirts of the district of Castello was born on the ashes of the old arsenal Piemontese, the Citadel of Museums. Inside the Archaeological Museum where you can admire the riches of the island, from the famous bronzetti the statues of Roman times. A few steps further and you find yourself immersed in the Pinacoteca Nazionale with its captive works, including the Sardinian and Catalan altarpieces of 400.

The ancient cathedral, a little further on, contains and preserves, in the Cathedral Museum, the precious treasures of the fruit of centuries of sacred history. The imposing ramparts, with the elegant promenade deck from which to enjoy a breathtaking view. Cultural heritage is today enriched by several exhibition spaces, all year round, hosting temporary exhibitions and shows: the Lazzaretto St. Elias on the hill, in the former Glass el'Exma Pirri ', the old city slaughterhouse in the heart the city. Lost, then, between the streets of the city, immersed in the past so many witnesses, is an equally exciting.

The city has a rich historical and artistic heritage that deserves to be discovered through a walk.

We strongly recommend that you explore the castle district, characterized by its narrow streets that still retain all the medieval flavor.

In the alleys of the old town you can admire the old towers of limestone, still well preserved.

The port area, modernized, is home to the Fair instead of Cagliari, home of the famous annual International Fair.

One of the main attractions is surely the Castello di San Michele, which still maintains the 'original Spanish plant. It is decorated with tiles, colored ceramic typical Spanish.

Do not miss the Cathedral dating from the thirteenth century. and remodeled in Baroque style in the seventeenth century. Inside, admire the triptych dedicated to Clement VII and a wooden statue of the Black Madonna, dating from the twelfth century.

One of the remaining evidence of the Pisan domination is represented by the Elephant Tower, built at the beginning of the '300 takes its name from a nearby pad.

Arsenal come from the central square to the National Archaeological Museum, which houses exhibits relating to the ancient people of Sardinia.

Another important square is Piazza San Cosimo, which overlooks the Basilica of San Saturnino, the patron saint of the city.

The National Gallery preserves instead the remains of the destroyed church of S. Francis Stampace.

Worth a visit to the Museum of Arts Siamese S. Cardu "in which pieces are rare and the Gallery of Thai crafts wax anatomical models.

Complete your visit to Cagliari Roman Amphitheatre dating back to the second century. B.C. and the striking Tuvixeddu necropolis, ancient Phoenician city.