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Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Cecilia (Cathedral of Cagliari), Cagliari (must see)
The Cathedral of Cagliari, located in the Castello district, is one of the city's most significant landmarks. This impressive Roman Catholic cathedral was first built in 1254 under Pisan rule, during a period when the Republic of Pisa and the Republic of Genoa were battling for control of Sardinia. Initially a modest structure, the cathedral underwent major transformations under the Aragonese and Spanish rulers, who expanded and elevated the presbytery.
In the 17th century, Archbishop Francisco Desquivel ordered the transfer of 159 early Christian martyrs from the necropolis of San Saturnino Basilica to the cathedral’s crypt, further elevating its religious importance. The current Neo-Romanesque façade, inspired by the Cathedral of Pisa, was added in the 1930s, giving the structure the imposing and elegant appearance it has today.
Inside, the Cathedral of Cagliari showcases a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, reflecting the centuries of modifications by different ruling powers. One of the most remarkable features is the 12th-century pulpit created by Master Guglielmo, originally sculpted for the Cathedral of Pisa and relocated to Cagliari in 1312. In 1669, the pulpit was split into two, with its four marble lions, originally part of its base, now placed at the presbytery balustrade.
The cathedral also houses several important artworks, including a 15th-century Flemish triptych, attributed to Rogier van der Weyden, and a Baroque funerary monument dedicated to Bernardo de La Cabra, an Archbishop of Cagliari who died in the 1655 plague. The left transept holds a 14th-century chapel and the mausoleum of Martin I of Sicily, an Aragonese king who perished during the conquest of Sardinia in the early 15th century.
Beneath the cathedral lies the Sanctuary of the Martyrs, a crypt featuring 179 niches containing relics of early Christian martyrs, discovered in the 17th century near the Basilica of San Saturnino. The crypt's ceiling is adorned with intricate stone rosettes, alternating between diamond and floral designs, creating an elegant and sacred atmosphere. Visitors to the Cagliari Cathedral will find not only a remarkable example of Sardinia’s religious and artistic heritage, but also a historical site that reflects the island’s complex past, shaped by Pisa, Aragon, and Spain.
In the 17th century, Archbishop Francisco Desquivel ordered the transfer of 159 early Christian martyrs from the necropolis of San Saturnino Basilica to the cathedral’s crypt, further elevating its religious importance. The current Neo-Romanesque façade, inspired by the Cathedral of Pisa, was added in the 1930s, giving the structure the imposing and elegant appearance it has today.
Inside, the Cathedral of Cagliari showcases a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, reflecting the centuries of modifications by different ruling powers. One of the most remarkable features is the 12th-century pulpit created by Master Guglielmo, originally sculpted for the Cathedral of Pisa and relocated to Cagliari in 1312. In 1669, the pulpit was split into two, with its four marble lions, originally part of its base, now placed at the presbytery balustrade.
The cathedral also houses several important artworks, including a 15th-century Flemish triptych, attributed to Rogier van der Weyden, and a Baroque funerary monument dedicated to Bernardo de La Cabra, an Archbishop of Cagliari who died in the 1655 plague. The left transept holds a 14th-century chapel and the mausoleum of Martin I of Sicily, an Aragonese king who perished during the conquest of Sardinia in the early 15th century.
Beneath the cathedral lies the Sanctuary of the Martyrs, a crypt featuring 179 niches containing relics of early Christian martyrs, discovered in the 17th century near the Basilica of San Saturnino. The crypt's ceiling is adorned with intricate stone rosettes, alternating between diamond and floral designs, creating an elegant and sacred atmosphere. Visitors to the Cagliari Cathedral will find not only a remarkable example of Sardinia’s religious and artistic heritage, but also a historical site that reflects the island’s complex past, shaped by Pisa, Aragon, and Spain.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Cecilia (Cathedral of Cagliari) on Map
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Sight Name: Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Cecilia (Cathedral of Cagliari)
Sight Location: Cagliari, Italy (See walking tours in Cagliari)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Cagliari, Italy (See walking tours in Cagliari)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Cagliari, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Cagliari
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cagliari is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cagliari Introduction Walking Tour
Cagliari goes straight to the heart: a thousand-year history, a dream sea and endless attractions
History, art and culture go hand in hand with beautiful beaches, lagoon areas and green parks: Cagliari is the Sardinian jewel of a city that enchants with its majestic architecture, winding alleyways and privileged location directly overlooking the sea. ***PH***
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
History, art and culture go hand in hand with beautiful beaches, lagoon areas and green parks: Cagliari is the Sardinian jewel of a city that enchants with its majestic architecture, winding alleyways and privileged location directly overlooking the sea. ***PH***
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles