Cagliari history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Cagliari is rooted in deep antiquity. Although traces of human presence in this area date back to the Neolithic period, the actual foundation of the city as an organized trading settlement is attributed to the Phoenicians in the 8th–7th centuries BC. In ancient sources, the city is mentioned under the name Karalis, which likely meant "rocky place".

Key Development Factors

The development of Cagliari as the main city of Sardinia was predetermined by a combination of unique natural and geopolitical conditions:

• Geography and Defence: The city grew on hills that provided natural defence and possessed a deep harbour protected from winds in the Gulf of Angels, ideal for naval fleets.
• Maritime Trade: Cagliari occupied a key position at the crossroads of trade routes between North Africa, Italy, and Spain, controlling maritime traffic in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
• Political Power: With the transition under the rule of Carthage in the 6th century BC, and later Rome in the 3rd century BC, the city established itself as the administrative centre of the province.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy and culture of early Cagliari were shaped by the influence of maritime trade and the succession of civilizations:

• Economic Base: Wealth was primarily derived from salt extraction in coastal lagoons, and the export of grain and metals mined in the island's interior.
• Punic Heritage: The significance of the city during the Carthaginian period is evidenced by the Tuvixeddu necropolis — the largest Punic burial site in the Mediterranean, which has survived to this day.
• Roman Urbanization: In the Roman period, the city received the status of a municipium, leading to rapid construction: paved streets, aqueducts, and a majestic amphitheatre carved directly into the rock appeared.

Key Historical Milestones

The history of Cagliari is rich with a succession of cultures and rulers, each of whom left their mark on the city's architecture and traditions.

• 8th Century BC — The Phoenicians found the trading settlement of Karalis, utilizing the strategically advantageous location of the natural harbour.
• 238 BC — The city comes under the rule of Rome and soon becomes a vital administrative and maritime centre of the province.
• 455 — Following the decline of Roman influence, the city is captured by the Vandals arriving from North Africa.
• 534 — The Byzantine Empire, under the leadership of Justinian I, regains control over the island and the city.
• 11th Century — Cagliari becomes the capital of the Judicature of the same name — one of the four independent medieval states of Sardinia.
• 1215–1217 — The Pisans erect powerful fortress walls on the hill, forming the Castello district — the historical heart of the modern city.
• 1326 — The Crown of Aragon definitively establishes its power, making the city the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
• 1620 — The University of Cagliari is founded, remaining the region's main educational centre to this day.
• 1720 — Following international treaties, Sardinia passes under the administration of the House of Savoy.
• 1799 — The Royal Court of Savoy temporarily relocates from Turin to Cagliari, fleeing the Napoleonic Wars.
• 1861 — The city becomes part of the newly formed unified Kingdom of Italy.
• 1883 — Construction of the main railway line connecting Cagliari with other parts of the island is completed.
• 1948 — Cagliari is officially proclaimed the administrative centre of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia.

Development Stages and Their Impact on the City's Appearance

The evolution of Cagliari is a journey from a closed military fortress to an open Mediterranean metropolis. Here are the key transformations that defined the modern look, economy, and atmosphere of the Sardinian capital:

• Construction of the Castello Quarter (13th Century). The Pisans built powerful walls and towers (Elephant and San Pancrazio) on the hilltop.
  Significance: This formed the city's recognizable silhouette and cemented the historical division into the "upper" city (centre of power and nobility) and the "lower" city (districts of merchants and fishermen), which is still felt today.
• Foundation of the University (1620). During the period of Spanish rule, the Studium Generalis was opened.
  Significance: Cagliari secured its status as the island's main intellectual hub, fostering an influx of youth and the development of a cultural environment.
• 19th Century Urbanization and Expansion Beyond the Walls. Under the Savoy dynasty, the city ceased to be merely a fortress; parts of the walls were demolished to expand space.
  Significance: The formation of the modern centre with wide avenues and squares began, making the city more convenient for civil life and commerce.
• Construction of the Bastion of Saint Remy (1896–1902). A grandiose structure of white limestone and granite in a classical style.
  Significance: The Bastion solved a complex engineering challenge by elegantly connecting the historic upper city with the new lower districts, gifting residents a premier promenade with panoramic views.
• Development of Poetto Beach (Early 20th Century). Construction of the first bathhouses and a tram line to the sea.
  Significance: Cagliari acquired the status of a resort city. The beach zone became an integral part of the urban economy and a favourite leisure spot for citizens.
• Post-War Reconstruction and Industrialization (from the 1950s). Restoration after heavy destruction in 1943 and the creation of an industrial zone.
  Significance: The city significantly expanded its boundaries, and the modernization of the port transformed it into one of the most important logistics and container hubs in the Mediterranean.

Urban Structure

The architectural appearance of Cagliari is dictated by its unique landscape. The city developed vertically and stratigraphically: from a fortified citadel on the hilltop to trading quarters by the sea.

• Castello: The historical core on the high ground. This is the district of nobility and power with dense medieval buildings, narrow canyon-like streets, and remnants of powerful fortress walls.
• Lower Districts (Marina, Stampace, Villanova): Formed at the foot of the fortress. Marina served as the port gateway, Stampace as the district of artisans and artists, and Villanova was originally a settlement of farmers that later organically merged into the urban fabric.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The history of changing conquerors is captured in Cagliari's stone: from severe Pisan fortification to elegant Italian Liberty style.

1. Romanesque Style and Pisan Military Architecture (11th–13th Centuries)

The era of city fortification and the influence of the Republic of Pisa. The style is characterized by the use of white limestone, massiveness, and functionality.

• Elephant and San Pancrazio Towers: Masterpieces of military engineering from the early 14th century, serving as the main gates to Castello.
• Basilica of San Saturnino: The oldest church in Sardinia, combining early Christian forms with Romanesque austerity.
• The Cathedral (Originally): Although the facade was rebuilt in the 20th century in Neo-Romanesque style, the interior retains authentic 12th-century Pisan pulpits (ambos).

2. Catalan Gothic (14th–17th Centuries)

With the arrival of the Aragonese dynasty, a style characteristic of Eastern Spain was established in the city: pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and octagonal bell towers.

• Church of San Giacomo: A striking example of Gothic architecture in the Villanova district.
• Aragonese Chapel in the Cathedral: Demonstrates typical features of late Gothic with rich decoration.

3. Baroque (17th–18th Centuries)

The period of Spanish rule and the early reign of the House of Savoy brought a fashion for opulence, theatricality, and rich interior decor.

• Church of San Michele: The prime example of Baroque in Cagliari with a magnificent dome clad in majolica and a luxurious altar.
• Church of Sant'Anna: A monumental temple in the Stampace district with flowing facade lines and two bell towers.

4. Neoclassicism and Eclecticism (19th — Early 20th Century)

A time of large-scale modernization, when the city demolished old walls to create wide avenues and public spaces.

• Bastion of Saint Remy: A grandiose structure of granite and limestone with a triumphal arch, connecting the upper city with the lower. A classic example of grand architecture from the late 19th century.
• Palazzo Civico (City Hall): A building by the port combining elements of Neo-Gothic and Liberty style (Italian Art Nouveau), decorated with turrets and rich stucco moulding.

5. Rationalism and Modernity (20th–21st Centuries)

In the 1930s and the post-war period, the city expanded with buildings of concrete and glass, reflecting new functional requirements.

• Palace of Justice: An example of severe architecture from the 1930s with an emphasis on monumentality.
• Park of Music and T-Hotel: Examples of modern urbanism, where glass high-rise volumes coexist with landscaped public zones.

Distinguished Personalities of Cagliari

Cagliari has been the home and place of inspiration for many figures in science, art, and sports. The city is linked to the destinies of people whose names are known far beyond Sardinia.

• Antonio Gramsci (1891–1937)
  Philosopher, political scientist, and public figure
  One of the founders of the Italian Communist Party spent important years of his youth in Cagliari. Here, he studied at the Dettori Lyceum and began his journalistic career, which shaped his political views.
• Giuseppe Brotzu (1895–1976)
  Physician, pharmacologist, and politician
  World-renowned as the discoverer of cephalosporins — a class of antibiotics that have saved millions of lives. He was the Rector of the University of Cagliari, and also served as the Mayor of the city and President of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia.
• Luigi "Gigi" Riva (1944–2024)
  Footballer, sports legend
  Although not born in Sardinia, Riva became a true symbol of Cagliari, spending almost his entire career here. He led the local club to its only Italian Championship (Scudetto) in history in 1970 and remained living in the city after retiring from sports.
• Giovanni Spano (1803–1878)
  Archaeologist, linguist, and senator
  Considered the father of Sardinian archaeology. While serving as Rector of the University of Cagliari, he dedicated his life to studying and preserving the island's historical monuments, as well as compiling dictionaries of the Sardinian language.
• Nanni Loy (1925–1995)
  Film director and screenwriter
  A native of Cagliari who became a classic of Italian cinema. Known for his socially acute comedies and work in television, particularly in the "candid camera" genre.
• Sergio Atzeni (1952–1995)
  Writer and journalist
  One of the most significant Sardinian authors of the 20th century. In his novels, he masterfully interwove the history and mythology of the island with the modern realities of Cagliari, creating a unique literary portrait of the city.