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Versione  Italiana |
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The history of Cagliari
The origins of the city of Cagliari can be traced back to the Phoenicians,
as its name Karalis or Karales would seem to suggest. However, the settlement's
growth and development occurred under the dominion of the Carthaginians,
when it became an important trading centre, thanks to its natural harbour
in the Mediterranean. 
It was conquered by Tiberio Gracco consul in 238 BC. and during the Roman
era enjoyed a long period of prosperity, which was accompanied by great
urban development. It was declared a municipium and later the Bishop's
See. Magnificent testimony to the Roman period still remain today, among
which the Roman Amphitheatre, the
Grotta della Vipera and the Villa
di Tigellio.
 During
Pisan domination (1258) the city experienced a further period of a growth
and testimony to this can be seen in the fortified Citadel, the Castrum
Karalis with its defence walls and towers, and the development of the
new quarters of Marina, Stampace and Villanova. The Castle (Castrum Karalis)
was the centre of town life, as well as being the seat of power. This
quarter, surrounded by ramparts and closed by the two towers of San Pancrazio
and l'Elefante, is characterised by a series of streets which lead towards
two gateways: Porta Cristina and Porte Dei Due Leoni. It also hosts the
National Archaeological Museum, the Royal Palace, the Archiepiscopal
Palace, the Cathedral of Santa
Maria and the University.
When Sardinia passed under Spanish dominion, the city experienced a period
of decline which continued with the arrival of the Savoy Family in 1720,
whose dominion lasted up until the Unification of Italy.
During World War II the city suffered severe aerial bombing by the Allies
and numerous buildings and churches were destroyed. Since 1949 Sardinia
has been an Autonomous Region with Special Statute, with Cagliari as its
capital.
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