Sardinia is one of Italy's twenty territories. It lies south of Corsica, a French territory, and is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It has been described as a micro continent because of it many ecosystems. The interior is mountainous and dotted with the remnants of ancient settlements. Through the ages the island has been occupied by a succession of nations and each has left a legacy. Museums from north to south record Sardinia's history from a variety of perspectives. In the 1960s, the Aga Khan and a few friends left their mark on the north of the island in the form of an elite coastal resort.
Nuraghe
The Nuragic culture dates back to the Bronze Age and has left behind several examples of its distinctive architecture all over the island. An entire prehistoric village Nuraghe was discovered in northern Sardinia. The remnants of more than 90 buildings, established between 1300 and 800 BC were found in a five hectare area in the Oopichera Village. The most striking feature of the village is a 6m high megalithic tower, flanked by two side towers. Each stone is individually shaped and perfectly curved to form the structures. There is a pass available entitling visitors to seven such sites in the Arzachena district.
Località Capichera, 1, 07021 Arzachena OT, Phone: +39-39-38-97-55-28
Capo d’Orso (Bear Rock)
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This iconic rock, near Palau and Capo d’Orso, in the north of the island, was first mentioned in the 2nd century. The natural rock formation is a block of granite that has been eroded, from the bottom up, by wind, water and salt. It is perched at the top of a 120 m hill and has frightened sailors through the millennia. The rock can be reached via a 5km long dirt path or by a car ride and shorter walk. From the top of the hill, there are panoramic views of the Maddalena archipelago, the inland hills and the Capo d'Orso fortress and harbor.
Garibaldi Museum
Garibaldi Museum is located on the island of Caprera, in the Maddalena archipelago, and is reached via a ferry from Palau. Guiseppe Garibaldi (1807 – 1882) is known as the 'Hero of Two Worlds'. He was an Italian nationalist and recognized for his contribution towards the unification of Italy and the creation of the Kingdom of Italy. Garibaldi was also an international statesman, attributed with helping to gain the independence of Uruguay. He lived a simple, frugal life on Caprera for 25 years, cultivating his orchard and vineyard. The housing complex where he resided is now a museum and is open to the public.
Isola Caprera, 07024 La Maddalena SS, Phone: +39-07-89-72-71-62
Olbia Museo Archeologico
The museum of archaeology Olbia Museo Archeologico is situated on a small island of Isola Peddone, in the port city of Olbia, in north eastern Sardinia. It chronicles the island's history from prehistoric times to the 19th century. The museum is built like a ship in port with portholes and suspended walkways. There are two levels. On the ground floor there is a model of the harbor as it was in the 2nd century, reconstructions of two laden cargo ships, as well as masts and rudders from actual ships. The upper level contains exhibits of Nuragic, Phoenician, Greek, Byzantine, Carthaginian and Roman influences on the island.
Via Isola Peddone, 07026 Olbia OT, Italy, Phone: +39-0-78-92-82-90
Giants' Grave
Examples of Giants' Grave, similar to those in Sardinia, have also been found in Malta, Menorca and the United Kingdom. More than 300 sites have been discovered on the island, many of them closely guarded secrets. There are various types and examples, from different eras, all dating back to the megalithic Nuragic age. Several appear to be laid out like bulls horns and are astronomically oriented toward the constellation of Taurus. They are constructed like dry stone walls from large interlocking carved blocks of stone, weighing tons. In 1953, two 8 foot skeletons were found in Porto Torres, fueling speculation that these structures were giants' graves.
Neptune’s Grotto
One of the largest networks of underground caves in Italy is found 24 km from Alghero, in northwestern Sardinia. Neptune’s Grotto caves were discovered by fishermen in the 18th century. The original entrance is a meter above sea level and is accessible only at low tide. Entry has been gained from the cliff above, via 654 steps carved into the rock. Several chambers, such as the Great Organ, the Lace Room and the Music Stand, feature stalactites, stalagmites and rock column formations. At 9m below sea level there is a large underground lake with white sandy beaches. The site is also accessed by ferries from Alghero, which run hourly in season.
Basilica di Saccargia
This striking black and white striped edifice is situated in the northwest of the island. The limestone and basalt Basilica di Saccargia was built on the ruins of a monastery in the 12th century and is one Sardinia's most important Romanesque sites. The basilica was abandoned in the 16th century but restored in the 20th and is currently a functioning Roman Catholic church. Its visually striking, tall tower dominates the surrounding grass landscape, said to be the home of religious cults since prehistoric times. The interior frescoes were done by artists from Umbria-Lazio and are the only Romanesque examples on the island.
07040 Codrongianos, Province of Sassari, Phone: +39-34-70-00-78-82
Su Gorroppu Gorge
Su Gorroppu Gorge, in the center of the island, is one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons in Europe. Hikes are considered to be easy going and can be done with or without a guide. The easiest route takes approximately four hours and is suitable for dogs and family groups. The panoramic route is slightly more challenging and will take five hours. Dogs are allowed. The expert route needs to be tackled with equipment. A base camp, with an information center and eatery, is situated at 830 m above sea level and provides the easiest access to the gorge.
SS 125 Km 190.500, Phone: +39-32-88-97-65-63
Grotto di Ispinigoli
The gigantic karst cavern Grotto di Ispinigoli is located near the east coast in central Sardinia. It was discovered and explored in the 1950s and opened to the public in 1974. More than 40000 people visit each year. The centerpiece is a 38m high limestone column which is the highest in the world. There are underground streams and three cave systems, totaling 17 km. The three entrances are at different heights and create airflows that maintain the temperature at a constant 16-17 degrees, Centigrade. Archaeological exploration has revealed fossils, human and animal bones and jewelry from various cultures through the ages.
Località Ispinigoli, 08022 Dorgali NU, Phone: +39-34-94-42-55-52
The Mamoiada Masks Museum
The Mamoiada Masks Museum showcases the masks and myths of an age old ritual that is performed annually in the center of the island. Mamuthones, disguised by black wooden masks and dressed in dark sheepskins with 60 pounds of cowbells attached to their backs, march through Mamoiada. They are led by Issahadores, dressed in bright red cloaks and white masks. Each year, from January to Shrove Tuesday, the practice is carried out by the shepherds and farmers of the area in the hopes of influencing the agrarian year by warding off evil spirits. The international MaMu Mask festival is held at the end of June each year.
Piazza Europa, 15, 08024 Mamoiada NU, Phone: +39-07-84-56-90-18
City Walls of Alghero
Alghero, a port city on the northwest coast, dates back to the 12th century. Most of the City Walls of Alghero and medieval towers are intact. The golden sea walls, built in the 16th century, are used by locals and tourists as a pedestrian walkway. The 22 m Torre di Sulis at the south end is a museum. There are two more towers at the northern end, with restaurants and bars en route. The four bastions are named after the explorers, Columbus, Marco Polo, Magellan and Pigafetta. The city walls are the ideal venue for a leisurely coastal stroll or an ice cream break.
Cittadella dei Musei Cagliari
This complex of museums Cittadella dei Musei Cagliari was established in the 1950s in the Castello district of Cagliari, in southern Sardinia. Cagliari was the capital city from 1324 to 1848 and the museum is located at the site of the 16th century royal arsenal. It comprises the National Archaeological Museum, the National Picture Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum. The latter houses the Luigi Cocco collection of textiles, jewelry, textiles and furniture from the 19th and 20th century as well as a substantial collection of anatomical waxes by Clemente Susini, purported to be the best modeler in the world.
Piazza Arsenale, 09100 Cagliari, Phone: +39-07-06-75-76-27
Roman Amphitheater
The Roman Amphitheater was built in Cagliari, once the cultural and social center of ancient Carales. The structure is considered to be the island's most important public building from the Roman era. The architectural masterpiece was excavated in the 1860s. It covers an area of more than a 1000 square meters and has a 120 m perimeter. The facade is 20 m high and is decorated with columns and statues. There are three tiers that would have seated 10000 people. Underneath these were the animal cells, gladiator rooms and infirmary. The entertainment schedule included men pitched against animals in the morning, public executions at midday and gladiator battles in the evenings.
Nora
The Nora archaeological area is on a peninsula on the southern coast, near Pula, an 8th century Phoenician settlement.
Sagra di Sant' Efisio
In 1652 a plague struck Cagliari, killing almost half the inhabitants. A plea was made to Sant' Efisio, a holy warrior of the 3rd century, to spare the town, which duly happened. The inhabitants vowed to march annually, to show their gratitude. Every year, on 1 May, more than 3500 participants, from all over Sardinia, dressed in traditional costume, congregate in the historic district of Stampace. At noon they set off on a carpet of pink, red and yellow flowers, filling the air with a rich fragrance. They are followed by 200 people dressed as officers of the Roman army as Sagra di Sant' Efisio. The 65 km march is one of the longest in the world and lasts for 4 days.
Book a room at Hotel Su Gologone
Hotel Su Gologone is situated 25 km from the eastern coast of Sardinia, near Lago del Cedrino. It is a rustic adobe structure, designed in the 1960s, with several suites, terraces and shady courtyards. The traditional Sardinian décor makes extensive use of local arts, crafts and antique objects, set against a white background. Each suite has different features. The Art Suite has a private garden and The Wild Suite is open to the stars. There are two restaurants and the outdoor Bread Nest, a patio where local women make traditional bread. The hotel offers cookery lessons and art workshops.
Loc. Su Gologone - 08025 Oliena (NU) Sardinia, Phone:+39-07-84-28-75-12
Ristorante La Grotta
Ristorante La Grotta is situated on the small island of La Maddalena which is accessible by ferry from Palau on the northern mainland.
L'Essenza Bistrot
Chef Massimiliano Villani returned to his native Sardinia after gaining experience abroad. He opened this gourmet restaurant in downtown Olbia on the northeastern coast, L'Essenza Bistrot.
Il Pescatore
Prince Karim Aga Khan developed Porto Cervo on the northern tip of Sardinia in the early 1960s. That is when Il Pescatore was designed, seemingly cut from the ocean rock.
Luigi Pomata
There are three eateries under the Luigi Pomata 's banner, down south in Cagliari.They are all located in the same block in the center of town. The restaurant is the flagship and offers fine dining and a full menu of Mediterranean cuisine.
