We are in Sardinia, or Sardegna if you are Italian

Most of Monday was taken up with travel even though we were only travelling from Rome to Cagliari, which is a one hour and five minute flight. However by 3.30 pm we were ready to get out into the heat and explore Cagliari which is the capital city of the island of Sardinia. 

Sardinia, known as Sardegna by the italians, is a Mediterranean island with a population of 1.66 million people. It has 2,000 kms of coast line and is best known for its excellent beaches. The interior is rugged mountains. Over the centuries Sardinia has been invaded by and ruled over by many peoples, the Pisans and the Spanish, to name but two. The architecture is strongly influenced by the many groups who have held power here.

Cagliari is situated on the coast in the south of the island. It has a population of about 155,000 people and is the major city of the island. It is strategically placed hence its rocky past with invasions. These days it can be invaded by cruise ships.

The architecture and the huge number of palatial buildings in the Marina area was my first impression. As evening drew near the area turned into one massive outdoor restaurant. 

I didn't take any photos but after seven weeks of eating entirely Italian food we took the opportunity to enjoy some of the diversity of Cagliari. We considered Eritrean food but chose Indian for their location. We may return!

The detail on the buildings is wonderful. This window gives an example with cherubs above the windows on the first floor and the row above had ladies faces.

The church of San Sepolcro had an excellent collection of ikons and associated paraphernalia on show. With its art baroque decoration and the exhibition it was all too much to take in.

The Bastion of Saint Remy is the major entrance to the historic quarter of Castello.

With the hot day and a lot of walking the local beer was our drink of choice.

More importantly,  the first gelateria we came to had amazing flavours to choose from; Messico, with pineapple, coconut and lime, and Ellusu, with yoghurt, orange & toffee chips. Some ingredients may have been lost in translation!