Cagliari’s culture is so distinct that Sardinians still call mainland Italy “the continent.“

On this self-guided tour, you’ll find out how the city was shaped by conquest and exchange, with Phoenicians, Romans, Pisans, Aragonese, and Spanish rulers all leaving their mark on Sardinia’s capital. I’ll also show you the architectural styles and traditions that survive in this hilltop citadel.

The tour starts at the Piazza Yenne, where all four of the city’s historic quarters converge. You’ll climb through the ancient defensive walls into Castello, the medieval heart of political and religious power. You’ll explore narrow streets designed to confuse invaders, visit viewpoints that reveal the city’s strategic position, and learn how each conquering civilization adapted the urban landscape to suit their needs.

By tour ends at Independence Square, you’ll have explored the Mediterranean’s best-preserved medieval fortress, where centuries of conflict and transformation are etched into stone.