Discovering the Villanova Cagliari district
One of the liveliest and most picturesque neighbourhoods in the city centre, the perfect for gatherings.
Watched over by the mighty medieval walls of the Castle, Villanova Cagliari is the youngest among the historic districts of the city. It is a fascinating neighbourhood and along with Stampace, is considered one of the liveliest and most popular in town, linked in particular to the engaging rituals of Holy Week.
It likely dates back to the 13th century and consists of two areas: an older one, including the embankment of Viale Regina Elena, and a newer one that winds along Via Dante.
A small “village” in the heart of the city, originated from the displacement of farmers from the nearby Campidano who wanted to increase the profits derived from the sale of their products thanks to the growing commercial traffic.
Subsequently, craftsmen such as blacksmiths and carpenters also arrived.
The narrow alleys were flanked by humble abodes and intermittent retail establishments. These dwellings were encompassed by lush vineyards, fruitful orchards, and blossoming gardens. Post World War II, the area underwent an expansion that encompassed Via Sonnino and Via Dante.
What to see in the neighbourhood of Villanova Cagliari
The tour of the Villanova district can start at Piazza Costituzione, in the shadow of the Bastion of Saint Remy. Follow Via Sulis and flank Palazzo Valdes to reach Piazza San Giacomo. Here, the Parish Church of San Giacomo, the Oratory of the Holy Crucifix, and the Oratory of the Souls in Purgatory overlook the square.
As you walk along Via San Domenico, you’ll come across an ancient cross in the middle of a widening that’s surrounded by picturesque bars and colourful houses.
Worth a visit is the cloister of San Domenico, the ancient seat of the Court of the Holy Inquisition and Royal Printing House, with Renaissance arches and splendid cross vaults of the Gothic-Catalan era.
At the junction of Via XXIV Maggio and Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, you’ll find the Alberto Riva Villasanta School. The square is a lively meeting place for people of all ages and the starting point to explore the central Via Garibaldi and the charming Via San Giovanni, home to the churches of San Giovanni, San Mauro, and San Cesello.
Finally, of great interest is the Basilica of San Saturnino, the oldest church in Cagliari, in Piazza San Cosimo, where the patron saint of the city was buried, the martyr San Saturnino (or Saturno), known in Sardinia as Santu Sadurru.
Not far from the monumental cemetery and the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria, it was built between the V and VI in Byzantine-proto-Romanesque style.
The ancient Greek cross building shows itself with a domed central body, four equal arms, the remains of the apse and the dome intact.
The quiet of the interior then gives way to the refinement of the exterior with the decorations of the central nave and, in the eastern arm, the only Romanesque door still visible.
After ups and downs over the centuries, including restorations, excavations, dismantling, damage and renovations, today the church is bright and spacious, a real jewel.
Palazzo Doglio: the ideal holiday in the heart of Cagliari
Those who would like to discover Cagliari and its wonders and, at the same time, enjoy a holiday full of comfort, luxury and well-being, will find their ideal accommodation in Palazzo Doglio, a prestigious 5-star hotel located in the centre of town.
From here all the main city attractions can be reached in a very short time such as the Castello district and the nearby Villanova district as well as Poetto Beach. All of these are about ten minutes walk.
But that’s not all, the terraces and windows of the rooms and suites offer an incredible view of the lively district of Villanova and the scenic internal courtyard, Corte Doglio, which recalls the style of the historic squares of Italy and contains the best Michelin starred restaurants, the most elegant boutiques and the most fashionable places to enjoy a complete fairytale experience.
Would you like to discover the Villanova district and enjoy a holiday full of charm and elegance? Book a stay at Palazzo Doglio in Cagliari
