Cagliari

Cagliari is the capital of the Italian island of Sardinia and the seat of the Metropolitan City of Cagliari. It is situated on the southern coast, at the head of the Gulf of Cagliari, and has a natural harbor that has long shaped its development as a port and regional center.

The city traces its origins to the Phoenician settlement of Karalis in the 8th century BCE. It later came under Carthaginian and Roman rule, and in the Middle Ages grew around the Castello hill, the historic fortress district. After periods of Pisan and Genoese influence, Cagliari became part of the Crown of Aragon and later the Kingdom of Sardinia, which joined the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century.

Key sights include the Castello district with the Bastione di Saint Remy, the Torre dell'Elefante and the Torre di San Pancrazio, and the Cagliari Cathedral. The Roman amphitheatre and the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari are notable, and the Poetto beach runs along the gulf. Green spaces such as Monte Urpinu offer city views.

The port is a major ferry and cruise hub, with rail and road links to the rest of Sardinia and Italy. Cagliari Elmas Airport connects the city with major Italian and European destinations. The University of Cagliari is one of the oldest in Italy, and the city hosts cultural events including the Sant'Efisio festival.

The city has around 150,000 residents, with a larger metropolitan area. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters.