Cagliari Sardinia, Italy beach guide & holiday information
The capital city of Sardinia is Cagliari. This elderly but lively city has been around since the seventh century when the Phoenicians founded the port city. Since those times Cagliari has seen many different invasions which contributed to its diversity of ruins and artifacts. Occupying a prime location on the coast of the Mediterranean and protected by the surrounding swamps and the tall mountains to which citizens could escape if under pressure from unwelcome invaders. Even as late as nineteen forty three during world war two when the allies bombed the ancient city, she has been under attack.
Today tourists are the main invaders of Cagliari. They come in streams of camera clicking holiday makers who gaze in wonder at the remnants of the magnificent architecture still standing, even from the fifth century. The Basilica di San Saturnino is one of these ancient remnants of a time long past, and an important Palaeo-Christian monument dedicated to Saturninus, a martyr to Diocletian's cruel reign. Another not to be missed sight is the church Chiesa della Purissima, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria, built in the fourteenth century by the Aragonese. The remains of the Roman Amphitheatre carved out of the limestone rock still stand as silent testimony to what once was a violent past.
For all the incoming visitors there is much to see and do and all these snap-happy folk need accommodation, which is eagerly provided by hotels and other establishments such as B&B's for those tourists or students who do not want the sophistication or expense of five star hotels. Apart from the hotels there are villas offering the supreme holiday experience. Population for the city of Cagliari Sardinia is around 157,343