Castello
Castello is perched on the top of a white rock which looks directly onto the gulf of Cagliari. The site was used in the remote past, though probably not urbanised: the Punic and Roman cisterns built to collect water and the Roman amphitheatre carved out of one of its slopes are just two examples.
It wasn't until the 13th century, when the Pisans began creating their commercial outposts in Sardinia, that the strategic importance of Castello became apparent. They decided to take control of the hill and soon blocked access to it, fortifying the rock with heavy walls and three large towers, two of which are still in pristine condition and are among the main attactions Cagliari has to offer. They also built the Cathedral.
When the Aragonese and then the Spanish took over power in Sardinia (14th-18th century), they kept Cagliari as their capital. They improved and enlarged the walls of the castle, modernising the defensive system. Sardinians were effectively cut out from power and important positions, and were only allowed to have humble jobs during daytime. When the day drew to an end, a horn was the signal for the local population to leave the castle or else be even thrown down from the walls.
The Savoy family took power at the beginning of the 18th century and also made many improvements, but the most radical changes occurred in the 19th century, when Cagliari, and therefore Castello, stopped being a military fortress. Instead of mighty defensive bastions, the new promenades and terraces (e.g. Saint Remy Rampart and Buon Cammino) became the places where the cagliaritani could mingle and socialise.
Although the richer families have left, and the population has decreased over the years, Castello is living a new phase, buildings are being restored, there are new bars and restaurants; art galleries and shops are being opened and it is overall coming back to life, after generations of romantic but decadent neglect.
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/Cagliari/Cathedral-of-Saint-Mary-of-the-Assumption-Cattedrale-di-Santa-Maria-Assunta_93685v
The church of St Mary became the city's cathedral in the 13th century. Few traces of the medieval structure remain: the steeple, the two Romanesque side doors …
/Cagliari/Elephant-Tower-Torre-dellElefante_93683v
This mighty tower was built by architect Giovanni Capula in 1307 on the Castello hill, facing the sea. Along with the St Pancras and Eagle towers, it was …
/Cagliari/St-Pancras-Tower-Torre-di-San-Pancrazio_93684v
The tower was built in 1305 on the highest peak of what is now known as Castello. The construction was commissioned to Sardinian architect Giovanni Capula and …
/Cagliari/Saint-Remy-Rampart-Bastione-Saint-Remy_93680v
Probably the most noticeable monument in Cagliari. It was built in white limestone at the end of the 19th century, after Cagliari ceased to be a military …
/Cagliari/Basilica-of-the-Holy-Cross-Basilica-di-Santa-Croce_93682v
The basilica of the Holy Cross was built in the 16th century along a section of the city walls which was given the same name, Holy Cross Rampart (Bastione di …
/Cagliari/Indoor-Promenade-Passeggiata-Coperta_97001v
The Indoor Promenade is contemporary to the Saint Remy Rampart and it is in fact built within its structure. Featuring shiny marble floors, high ceilings, …
/Cagliari/Old-Town-Hall-Antico-Palazzo-di-Citta_97352v
The Old Town Hall probably dates back to as early as the 14th century. It was destined to host the assemblies of the city representatives and then the Town …
/Cagliari/The-Ghetto-Centro-Comunale-dArte-e-Cultura-Il-Ghetto_105477v
This culture and arts centre takes its name from the area in which it's located: the old Jewish quarter within the walls of Castello. The area only actually …
/Cagliari/University-and-Old-College-Palazzo-dellUniversita-ed-ex-Seminario_93681v
The University of Cagliari was officially founded at the beginning of the 17th century, but it had to wait until 1770 to have its own monumental building. …