Villanova (in Sardinian Bidda Noa, which means 'New Town') is probably the most recent of the four historical quarters in Cagliari, although 13th century documents prove its existence. Traditionally, its main activity was agriculture. For some centuries, it had walls built around it, which used to follow what is now one of Cagliari's main shopping streets, via Garibaldi, and they are no longer visible. The old part of the quarter gives the visitor the impression of being in a small village. It mainly lives along via San Giovanni, the churches of St James and St Dominic, and the many narrow streets and alleyways.
Until only a decade ago, it was not unusual to see its inhabitants grilling fresh fish outdoors, especially on Sunday mornings.
Even though in the recent years, Villanova has lost some of its more socially folkloristic aspects, the quarter has improved a lot and is living a new birth. The old buildings are being restored and via Sulis, the part of Villanova closer to Saint Remy Rampart, has now become a high-end shopping street, while carpenters and small shops are gradually opening up their activities, making a walk through Villanova a worthwhile experience.