Monuments and museums

Dome (p.zza Palazzo).

In this church, built between the 12th and the 13th century, every age and domination left interesting art examples: the pulpit engraved by Mastro Guglielmo between 1159 and 1162 for the Cathedral of Pisa and given to Cagliari by the Tuscan city; the triptych of the Flemish Gérard David, left here by a Spanish soldier who stole it during the Sack of Rome; the cenotaphy of Martin II of Aragon; the tombs of the princes belonging to the Savoy dinasty.

The Bastion of S. Remy (p.zza Costituzione).

Its imposing flight of steps and its panoramic terrace are a valuable example of the time of Umberto I.

S. Domenico Church (v. S. Domenico).

It is interesting for its valuable patio built during the Spanish domination, under Filippo II (16th century).

S. Saturno Church (p.zza S. Cosimo).

It is one of the most ancient temples of Christianity in Sardinia. It was built in the 5th century to celebrate the sacrifice of Saturno from Cagliari, who was then proclaimed Saint of the town.

Bonaria Sanctuary (v.le Bonaria).

Built at the beginning of the 14th century, it preserves the legendary statue of Our Lady of Bonaria. Besides a beautiful gothic portal, you can admire (in a small museum near the sacristy) several holy and ancient objects, among which lots of votive offerings.

S. Pancrazio and Elephant Towers (p.zza Indipendenza and v. Università).

They have been built under the Pisa domination by the Sardinian Giovanni Capula, in 1305 and 1307 respectively. With their imposing structure, they represent a beautiful example of the Sardinian architecture of the Middle Ages.

S. Agostino Church (v. Baylle).

Built at the beginning of the 15th century, it was destroyed almost completely and then rebuilt. It is the unique example of the classical architecture of Renaissance in Sardinia. The Roman remains discovered recently inside the church are very interesting from an archeological point of view.

The tomb of Atilia Pomptilla (v.le S. Avendrace 87).

It was built in the 1st century and is widely known as the Viper's Cave due to the architectural decoration of the façade representing two snakes. Greek and Latin poetic inscriptions are engraved on the walls.

Tigellio's House (v. Tigellio).

This group of buildings, known as "Tigellio's House", is in fact a quarter of the Roman town of Karales. It is made up of three residential houses and of a thermal building dating back to the imperial period.

S. Michele Church (v. Ospedale).

It was built in baroque style during the 17th century. In its sacristy it preserves inlaid furniture and several precious paintings. Famous painters of the Baroque history, such as Altomonte and Colombino, left here an evidence of their art.

University Botanic Garden (v.le S. Ignazio).

It was built by Patrizio Gennari in 1865. With a surface of 5,500 ha, it is an important acclimatization garden for more than 500 different varieties of tropical plants coming from America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. It also preserves the most typical mediterranean plants.

Roman Amphitheatre (v.le S. Ignazio).

Its construction dates back to the 2nd century A.D. It is considered one of the most important examples of imperial Rome. It collapsed during the Middle Age but you can still visit the "cavea", the pits for the wild beasts, the underground passages, the cellars and the imposing tiers.

Municipal Art Gallery (Public Gardens, v.le Regina Elena).

It counts the masterpieces of the most important Sardinian artists of the 20th century and a national collection of contemporary art belonging to the artists of the sixties and of the seventies.
Opening hours: 9 am - 1 pm and 4 - 7 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday (in summer it closes at 8 pm). Admission: adults Lit. 5,000, concessions Lit. 1,000.

Citadel of the Museums (p.zza Arsenale).

It is a modern and huge group of buildings, whose construction has brought to light the structures and the remains of the settlements belonging to the Punic and to the Roman period. The Citadel, from which you can admire a wonderful sight of the town, includes: the National Pictures Gallery, with masterpieces of the 13th and the 14th centuries; the Anatomic Waxworks Museum of C. Susini; the Siamese Cardu Museum (a valuable collection of oriental art); a hall for exhibitions.
Opening hours: 9 am - 7 pm (working days, Sundays and holidays). Admission free.

Archaeological National Museum (p.zza Arsenale, c/o Citadel of the Museums).

It is very important for the rare collection of bronze small statues of the nuraghic age. The findings, which are all very interesting, come from various parts of Sardinia and date back to the Phoenician-Punic and Roman ages (noteworthy the rich collection of Phoenician and Punic goldsmith's art, the Roman glasses works and the Phoenician and Punic "terracotta" works).
Opening hours: 9 am - 7 pm (working days, Sundays and holidays). Admission: Lit. 4,000 (admission free up to 18 and after 60).

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