The Historical Quarters of Cagliari

Since ancient times the city of Cagliari has been divided into four neighbourhoods:

• CASTELLO:
  The Castle quarter is surrounded by an impressive defence wall and stands on a hill. It is the highest point of the city of Cagliari and access is from the old gateways known as Cristina, S. Pancrazio and dei Leoni.
  The Castle has been inhabited since Punic and Roman domination, and was fortified in 1217 by the Pisans.
  The two towers of San Pancrazio (situated to the north) and l'Elefante (situated to the west) are particularly interesting and were built in 1305 and 1307 respectively.
  The towers were originally used for the defence of the city, however, under later dominion the Spanish transformed them into prisons and torture chambers.
  The two towers have been beautifully restored and today are open to the public.
  
  Visitors must not miss other important buildings in the quarter:
  
  - The Bastion of San Remy:
  The Bastion boasts a monumental flight of steps leading up to an impressive panoramic square and is a beautiful example of the architecture from the period of Umberto I.
  
  - The Catherdral of Santa Maria
  
  - The University
  
  - The Jewish Ghetto:
  the ghetto is situated between via Santa Croce (originally called Vicus Iudeorum), where there was once a synagogue, and via Stretta (originally via del vino).
  The presence of the Jews in the city of Cagliari came to an end in 1492 when they were driven out of all the possessions of the Spanish King.
  Today the site has been beautifully restored and hosts exhibitions, conferences and various cultural initiatives.
  
  
• MARINA:
  The Marina is a quadrilateral quarter which stands on the slope leading up to the Castle. In fact, the Castle walls form a natural boundary to the north, while the sea represents the southern boundary.
  The quarter is also known as "Lapola", from the name of the tower erected by the Spanish to defend the harbour, and has always been strictly linked to the sea and port.
  In the past, the Marina neighbourhood counted numerous religious buildings, which have, however, been destroyed. Nevertheless, today the quarter still boasts a number of beautiful churches and maintains its original, charming character.

  - The Church of Santa Rosalia (XVIII century):
  the facade of the church is a beautiful example of Piedmont Baroque style and boasts numerous works of art.

  - The Church of Sant'Agostino (XV century):
  This church represents the only example of Renaissance architecture in Sardinia.
  The archaeological remains from the Roman civilisation discovered recently are particularly interesting.

  - The Church and Crypt of Santo Sepolcro (XV century):
  Recent restoration work uncovered a large funeral crypt in a natural grotto under the church, which dates back to the XVIII century.
  The narrow streets, steps and squares in the quarter are animated with fascinating shops, antique dealers, artisan workshops, as well as numerous restaurants and characteristic "trattorias". The latter are often small family run restaurants where visitors can sample genuine, local specialities of freshly caught fish from the Golfo degli Angeli.
  

  
  
• STAMPACE:
  the most panoramic area of Stampace is the Bastion of Santa Croce. From here visitors can admire the oldest and most interesting part of the quarter with its charming narrow streets.
  This part of Cagliari has always been the workers and artisans' neighbourhood.

  Things to see:
  
  - The Roman Amphitheatre
  
  - Villa di Tigellio
  
  - The Crypt of Santa Restituta
  
  - Piazza del Carmine:
  This square is the heart and central stage of the Stampace quarter.

  - The Church of Sant'Anna:
  The church was built between 1785 and 1817, and, after the Cathedral, it is the largest church in Cagliari.

  - The Church of Sant'Efisio:
  This church is situated in the heart of Stampace and is an interesting example of Piedmontese Baroque style (XVIII century). Under the church visitors can admire the crypt where it is believed Sant'Efisio was held prisoner before being martyrised at Nora.
  This church is the starting point of the popular Festival of Sant'Efisio.
  
  

• VILLANOVA:
  this was the last of the historical quarters to develop and has maintained its character as a rural suburb with long rows of houses, all quite similar with just two or three floors.
  It is the only old quarter of the city of Cagliari where there are typical country houses, surrounded by high walls, which conceal beautiful courtyards and gardens.
  Today many of the streets in the Villanova quarter are pedestrian, so it is ideal for shopping.