For me the most beautiful building in Cagliari is the stunning 13th century cathedral. www.duomodicagliari.it
The original style was Pisan-Romanesque (Pisa once controlled Sardinia) but it was given a Baroque makeover in the 17th and 18th centuries.
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.
Above the lintels of the three front doorways are lunettas containing brightly coloured mosaics.
The two beautiful pulpits, sculpted in the mid-12th century, were originally destined for the Cathedral of Pisa but were later donated to Cagliari.
Below the presbytery balustrade are four marble lions.
The one outside, on the wall opposite the cathedral, has seen better days poor thing.
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.
Other sculptures depict scenes from the Bible.
In the crypt is the Sanctuary of the Martyrs…
…which contains relics of the martyrs of Cagliari.
The crypt is divided into three chapels decorated in Baroque style.
Back outside, the carvings above the side door of the cathedral are quite nice too.
One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. I thoroughly recommend it, and that’s coming from an atheist!