Museo del Tesoro e Area Archeologica di Sant'Eulalia (Treasure Museum and Archaeological Area of ​​Sant'Eulalia), Cagliari

The Treasure Museum and Archaeological Area of Sant'Eulalia is one of Cagliari’s most significant cultural and historical sites, located in the Marina district. Housed in a building adjacent to the Church of Sant’Eulalia, the museum showcases an extensive collection of religious artifacts, artworks, and historical documents from various churches in the district. The ground floor hosts the parish archive of Sant'Eulalia, preserving valuable records and manuscripts. Meanwhile, the first floor is dedicated to artistic exhibits, including silverware crafted by Ligurian and Sardinian artisans, religious paintings, and statues. The museum also serves as a guardian of heritage salvaged from churches affected by World War II bombings, such as Santa Lucia, which was destroyed in 1943.

A key highlight of the museum is its archaeological area, which was discovered in 1990 during renovation work on the museum itself. The site reveals an ancient Roman road, dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, believed to have once connected the area to the nearby port of Cagliari. In addition to the road, structures from the Republican era have also been uncovered, offering a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Cagliari. The museum is part of a broader complex that includes the Church of Sant’Eulalia, the monumental crypt, and the excavations under Santa Lucia, weaving together more than 2,000 years of history, from the Punic period to the Catalan-Aragonese era and into modern times.

Beyond its archaeological wonders, the museum is a treasure trove of religious art. The upstairs treasury houses an impressive collection of religious vestments, silverware, wooden sculptures, and medieval codices. Among the standout pieces is an Ecce Homo painting, attributed to a 17th-century Flemish artist, which depicts Christ after his flagellation in a striking double-sided portrayal.