Cagliari, the southern gate of Sardinia

A city by the sea nestled in the middle of the Mediterranean sea like a shell. This blog starts from Cagliari, administrative centre of Sardinia and its most populous city, whose position made her the southern gate of the island. The very first view of the city covers the arbor: its 2500 year history has resulted into a strategic point for trades in the western Mediterranean sea.

In the sunny mornings the seagulls overspread their birdsong, and when night comes the smell of arbor mixes with a gentle sea breeze. Around the arbor is the multiethnic neighborhood of La Marina, with its mix of cultures and flavors from all over the world that greatly integrated into the traditional identity of this area.

At night, both in summer and during mild winters, people are used to walking along the picturesque alleys, a great destination to enjoy fresh sea food in one of the many restaurants and small bars widespread all around the area.
La Marina is one of the four quarters composing the old town of Cagliari, together with Villanova, Stampace and Castello.

The outline of the first two is characterized by small houses and their colourful facades, while Castello is the highest point of the city and protects within its stones the mysteries of ancient Cagliari. Castello's narrow and sunless streets host many galleries of contemporary arts as well as old ateliers where the traditional expertise is still pursued. Visitors will be overwhelmed by the fascination of Castello's suggestive pathways and their characteristic smell of ancient stones, until they reach the Bastion of Saint Remy with its breathtaking panorama over the city.

Photo credit: Dario Sequi