The small beautiful island of Sardinia has a rich history of conquests, ups and downs due to its unique location. Today it is one of the most popular holiday destinations of both prominent persons and celebrities, as well as ordinary tourists.
The main city of the island - Cagliari (Sardinia) - begins its history from the 8th century BC. e., he managed to survive in all wars to the present day. Only having been here, you can understand that the Sardinians live in a completely different rhythm of time, their leisurelyness gives charm to these places, so many tourists return here to rest, and the rich buy cottages and villas.
History of Cagliari
The founders of this ancient city were the Phoenicians, who built in this place a colony of settlers called Karalis. After 2 centuries, she began to pass from one hand to another:
at the end of the 6th century, the island became part of the Carthage Republic;
in 238 BC e. he went to the Romans;
the entire period of the Punic War - from 218 to 201 BC. e. - Sardinia (Cagliari) was the residence of Titus Manlius, the Roman commander;
after the civil wars of the 49-45s BC e. the city received the status of a capital; its inhabitants acquired not only the rights of free citizens of the Roman Empire, but also roads and water supply;
in the 5th century AD e. Caralis fell upon the invasion of vandals;
in 532 the island was annexed again to the Roman Empire by the emperor of Byzantium Justinian;
in the 9th century, Byzantium lost power in Sardinia, and 4 communities were formed here, which were governed by elected judges;
in the 11th century, Arabs often raided the island, and in the 13th century, a struggle between Pisa and the Genoese Republic began for it;
after the victory of Pisa in 1258, a defensive fortress and powerful walls around the main quarters were built in Cagliari;
in 1323, Pope Boniface VIII wrote this land to the Aragonese king, having no rights to it;
in 1328, under the law of the new government, local residents were expelled from Cagliari, and at the end of the 15th century the island became part of Spain;
when in 1701 a war broke out between the Bourbons and the Habsburgs over who would rule Spain, Sardinia passed to the Austrians, then to the Spaniards, until in 1718 passed to Victor Amadeus, Duke of Savoy;
in 1847, at the request of the inhabitants of the island, he was annexed to the kingdom of Italy, and the same laws and privileges as the inhabitants of the continent are legislatively assigned to its inhabitants.
After World War II, the Americans built an air base on the island, which today is a strategic object of NATO. This did not prevent Sardinia (Cagliari and other cities of the island) from becoming the best resort in the Mediterranean.
Cagliari
Today this city is not only the largest in Sardinia, but also the brightest. According to satisfied tourists, there is everything here:
Numerous attractions - from ancient times to the 17th century fortress and national park;
numerous restaurants, cafes and bars offer such a diverse selection of drinks and dishes that you can organize gourmet tours on the island;
luxury shops, markets and the stock market especially popular with tourists are a dream of shopping lovers;
for those who lead a nocturnal lifestyle, love loud music and active dances, work discos that make you feel like an endless holiday while relaxing;
lovers of silence can enjoy it in rural areas where you can rent a cottage, eat local cuisine, wander through the forests and get acquainted with the local flora and fauna;
beautiful nature and pristine beaches - this is what attracts people from all over the world.
To evaluate all the sights of Cagliari (Sardinia), one month is not enough, so eventful days are here with a leisurely flow of time.
Amphitheater
The ancient amphitheater, well preserved to this day, was built between the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. e.
Huge by those standards - 6000 m 2 , it was carved directly into the limestone rock. At one time, it accommodated up to 10,000 spectators during gladiatorial battles. But it was also used for theatrical performances, and in the days of early Christianity for public executions.
According to the tradition of that time, the amphitheater was divided into several sectors (according to the estates), each of which led its own entrance. Since the 19th century, it became the property of the capital and is under protection.
Today, theatrical performances, festivals and concerts are held here. All of Sardinia, Cagliari, first of all, comes to fairs held in the ancient walls.
Cathedral
Many pilgrims know Sardinia, Cagliari (many have seen the photo below, it depicts the church in question) thanks to the Cathedral of St. Mary, founded in the 13th century on the basis of a small church of the same name. Since that time, it was rebuilt several times, each time giving an increasingly baroque look to the originally strict Romanesque style. This went on for several centuries, until the next architect ordered to dismantle the baroque jewelry and returned to the cathedral its pristine beauty, which tourists can still admire today.
The interior of the temple is very magnificent, and the preserved medieval frescoes, columns and arches convey the atmosphere of humility and faith, characteristic of the people of that time. Today it is a place of pilgrimage, since the holy relics of the Sicilian martyrs and one of the most important relics of Catholicism - thorns from the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ are in the cathedral.
Botanical Garden
The island of Sardinia (Cagliari), planned at the beginning of the 18th century, received the island only 60 years later, after the Palabanda Valley began to belong to the capital's university. It was students under the guidance of professors who created it with their own hands.
Among the ancient Roman water supply systems and grottoes, more than 2000 species of plants from different parts of the planet grow. The garden is divided into 40 zones, each of which contains certain types of flora. We should also pay attention to the huge herbarium located in this territory. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that some of its specimens are plants that no longer grow on the planet.
Beaches of sardinia
On this island you can find a place by the sea for every taste - and where there are people like herrings in a barrel, and where there is practically nobody (you have to get here by transport). All beaches in Cagliari (Sardinia) are clean and quality sand. The most popular among guests of the island and the local population is Poetto - a place where you can sunbathe all day, and sit at night in one of the restaurants or a bar, enjoying the local cuisine and the sound of the surf.
Sardinia, Cagliari (reviews of vacationers confirm this) offer guests a comfortable stay, since most hotels have their own beach. If there is none, then delivery to the coast with a convenient bus will take only a few minutes.
Cagliari Hotels
Since the economy of the island directly depends on tourism, everything has been done so that people not only feel comfortable, but also have a good rest at any income.
The choice of vacationers offers hotel rooms, apartments or guest houses. The price range is very wide, so it’s easy to find affordable housing. The quality of service does not depend on the price per room and is always excellent, which many guests of the resort emphasize. Hotels in Cagliari (Sardinia) are the most popular among vacationers.
Horse country resort
This hotel is the best option for price and quality. It consists of 3 two-story buildings and 58 cottages, one-room and two-room. All of them are located 100 m from the beach in a pine forest.
For guests, active leisure is organized here - indoor soccer, table tennis, equestrian events held by Europe's largest riding center, archery, windsurfing, tennis and sailing. For children there is a club and an outdoor pool.
Those who monitor their health will love the Turkish bath, Wellness is a center with an extensive body care system and relaxation area.
In Horse Country Resort Arborea 4 * (Sardinia, Cagliari), rest and leisure are organized so that the guests leave, full of strength and experience.
Hotel Due Colonne
This hotel is located in the most beloved locals part of the city - opposite the port. After renovation in 2010, 23 comfortable rooms await guests here, each of which has air conditioning, a minibar and an LCD TV.
Satin sheets are provided for hotel guests, and free toiletries are provided in the bathroom. For the convenience of tourists, there are rooms for the disabled, non-smokers and couples with children, as well as a hypoallergenic room that should be booked in advance.
Free Wi-Fi is available on site, breakfast is delivered to each room. At the disposal of tourists dry cleaning, luggage storage, safe. Within walking distance are the port, train station, bastion and the University of Cagliari.
You will have to get to the sea by transport, because the nearest beach is just over 5 km away.
T hotel
Hotels on the coastline are most popular, although not all of them can offer a quiet family vacation. Here life boils day and night.
T Hotel is a 10-minute drive from the beach, but it is popular for its modern rooms and the quality of services offered. It is suitable for those who love comfort and care about their health. Located on one floor, the spa offers an extensive hydrotherapy program, here you can visit the bathhouse, after which it is pleasant to drink herbal tea in the relaxation room.
Active people will enjoy the swimming pool and gym, and there is a playground for children.
Guests have a choice of restaurants serving Italian and local cuisine, but a full English breakfast awaits them in the morning. For kids, a children's menu is provided.
Cycling rides are very popular with guests of Sardinia (Cagliari), for which transport can be rented directly at the hotel. The climate here allows you to feel good outside the walls and air conditioners, so all the sights of the city can be seen during a leisurely trip through its streets.
In the immediate vicinity of the T Hotel there is an opera house and a cathedral. This hotel is also notable for its staff speaking 7 languages: Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, English, German and Russian. The excellent service at this hotel makes your stay an unforgettable one. Sardinia, Cagliari in particular, has something to offer its guests so that they want to return here.