Cagliari’s picturesque Castello district

I’ve been to the Italian island of Sardegna a few times, but only visited its capital city of Cagliari for the first time this past September.

Cagliari has very distinct neighborhoods, including Il Castello, about 100 meters above the rest of this sea level coastal city. When I was flying into Cagliari, a clear view of the Castello district was my first view of the city.

The neighborhood is surrounded by defensive walls. It once housed nobility and rulers, and the ornate churches and palaces can be found in this district.

The Castello district was founded in the 13th century, under rule of the Pisan Republic. As a seafaring Republic, they were accustomed to foreign attacks, and ensured their defenses (and the walls to protect them) were firmly in place.

There are numerous sites of interest to see in this quarter, and I’ll cover them in future posts.

The Viceroy’s Palace is at the center of this district, and can be visited. The cathedral and its belltower are another site of interest, as is the spectacular archeological museum, which is a must on any trip to Cagliari.

The ramparts are a great location from which to observe the stunning sunsets, while enjoying a cocktail. We also ate some excellent Sardinian food at restaurants in this district.

It’s a district fill of history, winding, picturesque streets and stunning locations to admire the city and its positioning along the sea.

On your next visit to Cagliari, enjoy your time wandering the picture-perfect Castello district.