the most populated province of the island

With an area of about 6,900 square km, it is the most populated province of the island, comprising six areas, namely: Cagliaritano with the region’s chief town and Quartu Sant’Elena, Campidano, Marmilla, with Barumini, Giara di Gesturi and Villanovaforru, Inglesiente with Iglesias, Fluminimaggiore, Buggerru, Arbus and Villacidro, Sulcis with Carbonia, Sant’Antioco, Carloforte, and the Costa del Sud with Teulada, Domus de Maria and Pula, Sarrabus with Muravera, the Costa Rei, Castiadas and Villasimius.
Cagliari, the most important economic centre and principal port lies at the innermost section of the Golfo degli Angeli. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 6th century B.C., under the Carthaginians it became an important maritime centre. It was subsequently occupied by the Romans (Karalis) and had its castrum in the Marina quarter developing on the plain between the high ground and the sea. Now the ancient city includes the port and the viuzze of the Marina quarter, with the Stampace quarter to the west and the Villanova quarter on the opposite side, all dominated by the towers of the Castle, at the heart of the centre and going back to the pisan era.
Nearby in Via Roma is the Municipal Building and the S. Euralia parish church. In the Stampace quarter the churches of S. Anna and S. Michele can be found. Constitution Square, the bastion St. Remy, the S. Domenico and S. Giacomo churches are located in Villanova. The Castle area contains some of the most important sights, among which are the Elephant Tower (1307) and the S. Pancrazio Tower (1305). Among the most significant of the medieval constructions, the church of the Purissima in gothic-catalan style, the ex Royal Palace in the Palazzo Square and the Cathedral of S. Maria of 1200.
Other interesting stop off points are the Villa of Tigellio (1st century A.D.), the Roman tomb of the Vipera Grotto, the Roman amphitheatre of the 2nd century A.D., the S. Saturno church, palaeo-Christian and Romanesque, of national importance, the Santuario and the Basilica of Bonaria, built in 1326 in Gothic-catalan style and in the 17th century respectively, constitute the largest churches in Sardinia.
Following the Diaz Avenue for about 5 km, you arrive at Poetto, Cagliari’s beach, which extends for about 10 km along the inlet of the Gulf of Quartu, overlooked by the Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s chair) promontory.
A short distance inland is Lake Molentàrgius inhabited by flamingos, hawks, herons and avocette. The S. Ignazio fort at the head of Sant’Elia, separates the Gulf of Angels from the Gulf of Quartu, was built by the Piedmontese to oversee the harbour. About 10 km to the west of the city you will find S. Gilla Lagoon, marshland of interest to landscape artists and naturalists.
Heading north-west about 20 km, you arrive at the centre of San Sperate, noted for its murals that decorate buildings making it a “museum town”. 14 km away is Assemini known for ceramic crafts and the beautiful oratory of S, Giovanni, among the oldest on the island, and for an interesting route to the Gutturu Mannu marsh. About 23.5 km further to the north-west is the rural district of Uta which includes the Monte Arcosu Natural Reserve, the property of WWF, for the protection of the Sardinian deer. Another protected area can be reached following the State road No 125 after passing Arcu’e Tidu and taking the road for Burcei which leads to Seven Brothers public forest.