Santa Maria Cathedral

The cathedral of Cagliari is quite the beauty. Its unique style comes from the many transformations it went through over the centuries. It began with the Pisans, who built a church here.

In the 12th century, Cagliari called on the Republic of Pisa for help against its rivals and attacks from the sea. The Pisans, who had first come as allies, eventually took control of the island. Once they’d settled in, they built a large church with a simple, square layout, a central nave with two side aisles.

Two centuries later, a transept was added, giving the church its Latin cross shape. Gothic architecture was in fashion by then, so they redesigned the bell tower and added a large Gothic window to the façade. T

hen came the 17th and 18th centuries, with a wave of Baroque-style renovations. Inside, you’ll find marble inlays in red, white, grey and black forming geometric patterns on the floors and chapel walls, elaborate wrought iron, and richly decorated stucco ceilings.

If you’re into religious art, don’t miss the pulpit by Master Guglielmo. It’s made up of two 12th-century pulpits that were originally crafted for Pisa Cathedral. You’ll also find the mausoleum of King Martin I of Sicily, who died during the conquest of Sardinia, and the tomb of the Archbishop of Cagliari, who passed away during the plague of 1655. There’s also a chapel dedicated to Saint Lucifer, a 4th-century bishop of Cagliari. Yes, Saint Lucifer… that name might sound strange, but he was a deeply respected figure.

We also recommend visiting the cathedral’s crypt. It houses the Sanctuary of the Martyrs, which is both the most artistically and historically important part of the crypt. The sanctuary is magnificent, a blend of Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical elements. Inside are the relics of countless presumed martyrs and the tombs of members of the House of Savoy.

These relics were discovered during 18th-century archaeological excavations near the Basilica of San Saturnino. Today, they’re displayed in 179 niches inside the crypt, while the cathedral’s treasure is kept in the Museo del Duomo, next door. Entry to the cathedral is free, but the museum charges an admission fee.