Cagliari – Quartiere Castello – Cattedrale di Cagliari

For me the most beautiful building in Cagliari is the stunning 13th century cathedral. www.duomodicagliari.it

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The original style was Pisan-Romanesque (Pisa once controlled Sardinia) but it was given a Baroque makeover in the 17th and 18th centuries.

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The cathedral was renovated again in the 1930s when it received its current neo-Romanesque façade which is quite similar to the original. This and other features were greatly influenced by the Cathedral of Pisa.

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Above the lintels of the three front doorways are lunettas containing brightly coloured mosaics.

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The two beautiful pulpits, sculpted in the mid-12th century, were originally destined for the Cathedral of Pisa but were later donated to Cagliari.

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Below the presbytery balustrade are four marble lions.

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The one outside, on the wall opposite the cathedral, has seen better days poor thing.

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In the northern transept is the ornate 17th century mausoleum of Martin I of Sicily who died during an invasion by Sardinia’s island neighbour.

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Other sculptures depict scenes from the Bible.

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In the crypt is the Sanctuary of the Martyrs…

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…which contains relics of the martyrs of Cagliari.

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The crypt is divided into three chapels decorated in Baroque style.

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Back outside, the carvings above the side door of the cathedral are quite nice too.

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One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. I thoroughly recommend it, and that’s coming from an atheist!

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