Cittadella dei Musei (Citadel of Giovanni Lilliu Museums), Cagliari

The Citadel of Giovanni Lilliu Museums is Cagliari’s premier museum complex. It stands on the site of the former Royal Arsenal, a military facility established by the Piedmontese and later repurposed into a cultural hub. The citadel features a large central courtyard surrounded by buildings that house several significant collections, making it a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts.

Among the most notable institutions within the complex is the National Archaeological Museum, which holds an extensive collection of Nuragic bronzes, Phoenician relics, Punic artifacts, and Roman sculptures, providing insight into Sardinia’s ancient civilizations. Another highlight is the National Art Gallery, which showcases medieval and Baroque-era Sardinian and Catalan paintings, including intricate altarpieces salvaged from churches that were destroyed during World War II.

Beyond archaeology and fine art, the Citadel also houses some more unusual exhibits, making it an intriguing destination for a wide range of visitors. One such collection is the Anatomical Wax Museum, which contains meticulously crafted wax models of human anatomy, used historically for medical studies. While some visitors find the exhibition fascinating, others consider it slightly unsettling due to the detailed nature of the models.

Additionally, the Museum of Siamese Art presents a unique contrast to the other displays, offering a collection of artifacts and artwork from Thailand, a rare find in European museums. Completing the complex is the Luigi Cocco Ethnographic Collection, which highlights Sardinian folk art, textiles, ceramics, and traditional crafts, offering a glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage.

The Citadel’s historical significance extends beyond its museums, as the site itself reflects centuries of Cagliari’s past. Originally outside the Pisan-era walls, it was later incorporated into the city’s fortifications, with remnants of its defensive structures, including bastions and prison towers, still visible today. During the Spanish rule, it became one of the most fortified areas of Cagliari, featuring barbicans, drawbridges, and bastions. However, by the 16th century, advancements in artillery led to modifications and demolitions of some defensive walls.