Cagliari Essentials

Cagliari’s historic landscape spans from the Tuvixeddu necropolis, the Mediterranean's largest Punic burial site, to the medieval fortifications of the Castello district. The city’s architecture is defined by the 14th-century Torre dell'Elefante and the neoclassical Bastione di Saint Remy. Natural landmarks include the Molentargius Saline Regional Park, home to wild pink flamingos, and the rocky promontory of the Devil's Saddle. Coastal areas like Calamosca offer accessible beaches near the urban center.

Cagliari Essentials — Map

Elgaard / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Torre dell'Elefante

Built in 1307 by the Pisans, this white limestone tower served as a defensive fortification and city gate. It features a small marble elephant statue on its facade and offers panoramic views of the city from its upper gallery.

B

Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Cecilia

Cagliari Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to Saint Cecilia.

Giova81 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Rampart of Saint Remy

A neoclassical fortification built between 1896 and 1902 atop medieval city walls. It features a limestone triumphal arch, a grand staircase, and the Umberto I terrace, which connects the Castello district to the lower city.

D

Parco di Molentargius

A regional park and wetland area known for its former salt pans. It serves as a major nesting site for greater flamingos and other migratory birds, featuring walking trails and cycling paths through lagoons and freshwater basins.

Pi.Gra / CC BY-SA 2.0

E

St. Michael's Castle

The Castle of San Michele is a medieval castle in Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, Italy.

Gigidelneri / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Devil's Saddle

A nice place of natural wonder and ancient ruins just a few kilometers from the city centre.

Giova81 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

G

Palazzo Regio

The Palazzo Regio, also known as Viceregio, is a historic building in Cagliari, the ancient residence of the representative of the king of…

Cristiano Cani / CC BY 2.0

H

Tuvixeddu necropolis

The necropolis of Tuvixeddu is a Punic necropolis, the largest in the Mediterranean.

I

Palazzo di Città

Located in the Castello district, this 14th-century building served as Cagliari's city hall until the early 20th century. It currently houses a museum hosting temporary art exhibitions and permanent collections of Sardinian ethnographic materials.

Cristiano Cani / CC BY 2.0

J

Spiaggia di Calamosca

A small, sheltered bay located four kilometers from the city center, characterized by clear water and rocky cliffs. The beach sits at the foot of a lighthouse and serves as the starting point for trails leading to the Devil's Saddle.