Quartu S.Elena

Population: 70,000
Altitude: 5m. above sea level

Quartu S.Elena constitues an intergral part of the city of Cagliari. It is just 6 km. from the Chief Town and, with its 70,000 inhabitants, is the third largest town on the island.

The town's history can be traced back to the Neolithic and Nuragic periods when it was an agricultural centre. However, in recent years is has experienced rapid urban growth linked to the new residential neighbourhoods which have sprang up and the development of the tourist sector along the nearby coastline.

Quartu S.Elena boasts numerous Nuraghi, built as part of defence systems in the countryside which stretches out towards the sea. After the Nuragic period the Phoenicians and Romans settled in various strategic points of the territory

The territory of Quartu can be divided into three main zones:

• The urban centre, which is bounded by the Molentargius Lagoon;
  
  
• The coastal area, which stretches for more than 35 km. along the panoramic road to Villasimius. This coast road offers some extraordinary bays and views, the most striking of which are: Cala Regina, the beaches of Mari Pintau and Solanas, as well as Capo Boi and the numerous beaches in and around Villasimius.
  
  
• The mountainous area stretches towards the north-east and joins the mountain range of the Sette Fratelli.

The town of Quartu S.Elena has always been linked to agricultural and pastoral activity, in particular sheep farming, the production of sheep's milk cheese and the cultivation of vegetables, citrus fruit and vines. In fact the area is noted for the production of such fine wines as Nuragus, Malvasia, Moscato and Nasco.
The production of traditional bread and Sardinian sweets is also a very important local activity.

Visitors should not miss:

• Sa Domu 'e Farra (The House of the Flour): this is a house-museum which bears important testimony to the agricultural traditions of the area.
  This ancient residence, typical of the Campidano region, includes a porch, the main house, the servants' quarters, the kitchens, the storage barns and a large courtyard where visitors can admire hundreds of instruments from daily use.
  In the quarters belonging to the wealthy families from the Campidano area visitors can see antique furniture, ornaments, decorations and clothes which reflect the lives, activities and culture of Sardinia and its people in the nineteenth century.
  
  
• The Parish Church of Sant'Elena: this church dates back to 1788 and was built on the site of a previous Catalan church from the XVI century.
  The structure of the church is defined by three aisles - a high central nave and two side aisles.
  Inside the church visitors can admire the main altar, the pulpit and a magnificent baptistery.
  
  
• The Church of S.Maria of Cepola: this is a church whose origins can be traced back to the XI century, although the building was enlarged in the seventeenth century. Inside the church Medieval frescoes depicting Christ have recently been discovered, as well as others from the eighteenth century with Baroque elements. There is also a beautiful Gothic holy water stoup.
  
  
• The Church of San Pietro in Ponte: this church stands inside the monumental cemetery. It was of Byzantine origin and was restored by monks at the beginning of the XII century.

Summer in Quartu is characterised by two events:

• La Sciampitta: this is an international folk show, which is held in the middle of July.
  
  
• La Festa della Santa Patrona: this festival is held in the middle of September with religious ceremonies and a series of civil celebrations, such as the Festival of the grapes, as well as that of bread, sweets and wine.
  There is a fascinating procession of groups in colourful, traditional costumes, dancing, singing and folk shows.