The beautiful small island of Sardinia has a rich history of conquest, rise and fall due to its unique location. Today it is one of the most popular holiday destinations for both nobles and celebrities, and 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 this day. Only after visiting here, you can understand that the Sardinians live in a completely different rhythm of time, their slowness gives charm to these places, so many tourists come back here for vacation, and the rich buy cottages and villas.
History of Cagliari
The founders of this ancient city were the Phoenicians, who built a colony of settlers called Karalis in this place. 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 Carthaginian Republic;
- in 238 B. C. e. he went over to the Romans;
- the whole periodPunic War - from 218 to 201 BC e. - Sardinia (Cagliari) was the residence of Titus Manlius, a Roman general;
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after the civil wars of 49-45 BC e. the city received the status of the 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. Karalis fell under the invasion of the Vandals;
- in 532 the island was again annexed to the Roman Empire by the Byzantine emperor Justinian;
- in the 9th century, Byzantium lost power in Sardinia, and 4 communities were formed here, ruled by elected judges;
- in the 11th century, the island was often raided by Arabs, and in the 13th century, a struggle began between Pisa and the Republic of Genoa;
- after the victory of Pisa in 1258, a defensive fortress and powerful walls were built in Cagliari around the main quarters;
- in 1323, Pope Boniface VIII assigned this land to the Aragonese king, having no rights to it;
- in 1328, according to 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;
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when war broke out in 1701 between the Bourbons and the Habsburgs over who would rule Spain, Sardinia passed between the Austrians and the Spaniards, until in 1718 it passed to Victor Amadeus, Duke of Savoy;
- in 1847, at the request of the inhabitants of the island, it was annexed to the kingdom of Italy, and the same laws and privileges were legally assigned to its inhabitants,what the inhabitants of the continent have.
After World War II, the Americans built an air base on the island, which today is a strategic NATO facility. 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, everything is here:
- many attractions ranging from ancient times to a 17th century fortress and national park;
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numerous restaurants, cafes and bars offer such a varied selection of drinks and food that gourmet tours can be organized on the island;
- luxury shops, markets and a particularly popular stock bazaar are a shopper's dream;
- for those who lead a nocturnal lifestyle, love loud music and active dancing, there are discos that bring the feeling of an endless holiday during the holidays;
- Silence lovers can enjoy it in rural areas where you can rent a cottage, eat local cuisine, roam the forests and get acquainted with the local flora and fauna;
- beautiful nature and pristine beaches is what attracts people from all over the world.
To appreciate all the sights of Cagliari (Sardinia), one month is not enough, so eventful days are here at a leisurelytime.
Amphitheater
The beautifully preserved ancient amphitheater was built between the 1st and 2nd century AD. e.
Huge by that standards - 6000 m2, it was carved right into the limestone rock. At one time, it could accommodate up to 10,000 spectators during gladiator fights. But it was also used for theatrical performances, and in early Christian times for public executions.
According to the tradition of that time, the amphitheater was divided into several sectors (by class), each of which had its own entrance. Since the 19th century, it has become the property of the capital and is under protection.
Today, theatrical performances, holidays and concerts are held here. All Sardinia, Cagliari above all, come to the fairs held in the ancient walls.
Cathedral
Sardinia, Cagliari is known to many pilgrims (many have seen the photo below, it depicts the temple that will be discussed) 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 has been rebuilt several times, each time giving an increasingly baroque look to the originally austere Romanesque style. This went on for several centuries, until the next architect ordered the baroque decorations to be dismantled and returned the cathedral to its original beauty, which tourists can still admire today.
The interior of the temple is very magnificent, and the preserved medieval frescoes, columns and archesconvey the atmosphere of humility and faith characteristic of the people of that time. Today it is a place of pilgrimage, as the cathedral houses the holy relics of the Sicilian martyrs and one of the most important relics of Catholicism - the thorns from the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ.
Botanical Garden
The island of Sardinia (Cagliari), planned at the beginning of the 18th century, received a botanical garden only 60 years later, after the Palabanda Valley became owned by the capital's university. It was the students, under the guidance of professors, who created it with their own hands.
Among the ancient Roman water supply systems and grottoes grow more than 2000 plant species from different parts of the world. The garden is divided into 40 zones, each of which contains certain types of flora. Separately, it is worth paying attention to the huge herbarium located on this territory. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that some of its specimens are plants that no longer grow on the planet.
Sardinian beaches
On this island you can find a place by the sea for every taste - and where people are like herrings in a barrel, and where there is practically no one (you will have to get here by transport). All beaches in Cagliari (Sardinia) are distinguished by the cleanliness and quality of the sand. The most popular among the guests of the island and the local population is Poetto - a place where you can sunbathe all day, and at night sit in one of the restaurants or a bar, enjoying the local cuisine and the sound of the surf.
Sardinia, Cagliari (reviews from vacationers confirm this) offer guests a comfortable stay, asmost of the hotels have their own beach. If there is none, then delivery to the coast by a convenient bus will take only a few minutes.
Cagliari Hotels
Since the economy of the island is directly dependent on tourism, everything has been done here so that people not only feel comfortable, but also have a quality rest with any income.
The choice of vacationers are offered hotel rooms, apartments or guest houses. The range of prices is very wide, so it's easy to find housing within your pocket. The quality of service does not depend on the price per room and is always excellent, which is emphasized by many guests of the resort. Cagliari (Sardinia) hotels are the most popular among holidaymakers.
Horse Country Resort
This hotel is the best value for money. It consists of 3 two-storey buildings and 58 cottages, one-room and two-room. All of them are located 100 meters from the beach in a pine forest.
Active leisure is organized here for guests - mini-football, table tennis, equestrian events held by the largest equestrian center in Europe, archery, windsurfing, tennis and sailing. For children there is a club and an outdoor pool.
Those who care about their he alth will love the Turkish bath, Wellness - a center with an extensive body care system and a relaxation area.
In the Horse Country Resort Arborea 4(Sardinia, Cagliari) rest and leisure are organized so that guests leave full of strength and impressions.
Hotel Due Colonne
This hotel is located in the most beloved part of the city by the locals- in front of the port. Renovated in 2010, it offers 23 comfortable rooms, each with air conditioning, minibar and LCD TV.
Satin sheets are covered for hotel guests, and free toiletries are waiting for them in the bathroom. For the convenience of tourists, there are rooms for the disabled, for non-smokers and for families with children, as well as a hypoallergenic room, which should be booked in advance.
Free Wi-Fi on site, breakfast delivered to every 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
Coastline hotels are the most popular, although not all of them can offer a quiet family vacation. Here life boils day and night.
The T Hotel is a 10 minute drive from the beach but is popular for its modern rooms and quality service. It is suitable for those who love comfort and care about their he alth. Located on one of the floors, the spa offers an extensive program of hydrotherapy, here you can visit the bathhouse, after which it is pleasant to drink herbal tea in the relaxation room.
Active people are waiting for a swimming pool and a gym, and a playground is equipped for children.
The hotel's restaurants offer Italian and localkitchen, but in the morning they expect a full English breakfast. There is a children's menu for kids.
Very popular among guests of Sardinia (Cagliari) are cycling, 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 the fact that its staff speaks 7 languages: Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, English, German and Russian. The excellent service at this hotel makes for an unforgettable stay. Sardinia, Cagliari in particular, has something to offer its guests to make them want to come back here.
