TRAVEL
BELLA BELLISSIMO
Sardinia! by Rebecca Underwood
Cagliari Cathedral - credit: Vito Arcomano
View of Cagliari - Credit: Sandro Bedessi
Traditional Sardinian jewellery credit: Foto Esit
Hotel Castello Suite 62 | www.life-mags.com
D.H. Lawrence once described Sardinia as ‘strange and rather wonderful, and not a bit like Italy’. Visitors may reflect on these words as the true nature of this beautiful Mediterranean island unfolds.
A leisurely stroll around the city centre, which is divided into four quarters: Villanova, Marina, Stampace and Castello, is just the thing to introduce visitors to a relaxed and informal way of life.
From the sophistication of Sardinia’s Emerald Coast in the north to the soft white sandy beaches and warm translucent turquoise waters of the south, with its bustling towns, so rich in culture, and the verdant beauty of the Sardinian countryside, there is surely an ideal spot for every visitor.
The popular marina quarter, which was once a Roman military camp, is now a warren of winding streets with an extensive selection of bustling trattorias and rather quaint local shops. Serious shoppers should head for Via Giuseppe Mano and the pedestrianised Via Garibaldi and Largo Carlo Felice, a very busy street leading up to the castle and Piazza Yenne, which is the place to watch the young and trendy strolling by. The ancient area of Stampace features the Roman amphitheatre, which is simply magnificent. The botanical gardens (Viale Fra’lgnazio) and Phoenician underground chambers are among the most popular tourism sites and highly recommended.
Sardinia was founded by the Phoenicians, developed by the Carthaginians, occupied by Vandals, Byzantines and Romans, ruled by Pisans, conquered by the Aragonese, given to Austria, and in 1861 when Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed king of Italy, the island was declared part of the unified Italian state. Cagliari, the capital, offers a tantalising insight into Sardinia’s colourful kaleidoscope of history and culture. Wide palm-lined streets, bustling cafés under all- year- round azure skies make Cagliari an irresistible lure for visitors and the terracotta and ochre hues of the buildings add to the elegance.
The spectacular castle sits high above the city and the examples of Pisan, Catalan and Aragonese architecture are enthralling. Largo Carlo Felice, by the castle, is the site of the 13th century Pisan Duomo, the Archbishop’s Palazzo