The Roots of Cagliari

An archaeological walking tour through the heart of Cagliari, taking in the main monuments and relics of Punic and Roman Sardinia. Traveling back in time has never been easier!

First stop: Roman Amphitheater - To make your itinerary easier, we recommend heading to Viale Sant'Ignazio, where the main entrance to the Roman Amphitheater is located. Built between the late 1st and early 2nd century AD, it was one of the main entertainment venues in Roman Sardinia, capable of seating between 8,000 and 10,000 spectators. Constructed partly by excavating the rock and partly with limestone blocks, it was divided into sectors to reflect the different social classes, with the senators near the arena. It hosted spectacles such as gladiatorial combats, hunts, executions, and races. In the Middle Ages, it was abandoned and used as a quarry, and only in the 19th century was it rediscovered and partially restored. During World War II, its caves served as a refuge for displaced persons. Today, it is an important archaeological and tourist site.

Second stop: Viper's Cave - the itinerary will lead you to discover another vestige of Roman Sardinia, located along Viale Sant'Avendrace. Viper's Cave is a Roman funerary monument carved into the rock and part of the ancient necropolis of Carales. Built between the late 1st and early 2nd century AD by Lucius Cassius Philippus in honor of his wife Atilia Pomptilla, the cave contains inscriptions in Latin and Greek celebrating the love between the two. Atilia is said to have sacrificed herself to save her ailing husband. The monument, adorned with two sculpted vipers, is an important testimony to Roman funerary culture. Despite damage, it remains a significant archaeological site.

Third stop: Crypt of Santa Restituta - with this stop, you'll have the opportunity to explore one of the highlights of Cagliari's underground world. Located in the Stampace neighborhood, the crypt's origins date back to the Punic era, when it was used as a limestone quarry. It later became a place of Christian worship linked to Santa Restituta, a North African saint whose relics were brought to Cagliari in the 4th century. Over time, the crypt has served various purposes, including a shelter during the bombings of World War II, which culminated in the tragic loss of life in 1943. The crypt preserves medieval artistic treasures.

Fourth stop: Galleria dello Sperone - The archaeological-themed tour concludes in the Galleria dello Sperone, accessed via the Covered Walkway of the Bastion of Saint Remy. The itinerary inside highlights the city's fortifications, from the Pisan walls to the Spanish bastions. Enhanced by architect Rocco Cappellino on behalf of Charles V, the structure also preserves quarries, cisterns, and the "Via delle Forche," a passageway used by those condemned to death. During World War II, its tunnels served as a refuge for citizens. Today, with the Bastion of Saint Remy rebuilt, the Galleria is an unmissable stop for discovering Cagliari's past. It is a place that connects different historical eras, offering a glimpse into the city's military and civilian heritage.