Cagliari - our last day

Some of our plans came unstuck because Cagliari isn't geared to tourists like us, but not to worry, there was still lots to do. There was a cruise ship in today so we headed over to the port first (walked 200 metres from our guest house and crossed the road) and looked at the various water craft, especially the big ocean cruisers and yachts.

 We passed a good looking gelateria and stopped for a break (if others can drink white wine before midday then I can eat gelato!)

From there we took a long walk up to the Botanical Gardens. What a surprise! Most botanical gardens are disappointing, arid and poorly cared for in the Mediterranean areas we visit. This one had its moments but it was beautifully laid out, well cared for, all plants and trees were named and we were given a map and explanation sheet. In fact the cacti were so good that I will make a separate post on them.

There were remains of Roman civilzation; caves, cisterns, water features using Roman construction and a quarry was utilised to benefit the garden's ecosystem.

Fresh water turtles have taken up residence in a water catchment area and happily came up to look at us.

There were several Australian trees in the garden but sadly a large Flame Tree had died and been cut down. I gave all the Aussie trees a pat! Various types of Ficus seem to grow well here and they are used around the piazzas to good effect for shade but they are messy at fig time. This is an interesting one.

From the gardens we climbed higher to the Amphitheatre which is said to be an almost complete theatre that seated 10,000 people, and the best Roman remains in Sardinia. When we arrived the gate was locked and it didn't look like it had been open for years. I think some very slow restoration work was taking place.

By now we know our way around Cagliari so we headed in to Castello by the San Pancrazio Tower, had a late and quick lunch and exited the area near Bastion San Remy. Nice views once again!

We cut through the Villanova Quarter and came to the Basilica of San Saturnino. This is an archaeological site with too many smelly cats but has apparently only been partly excavated. We continued on past the Necropoli, ancient and modern, until we came to Bonaria Hill.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria is a popular pilgrimage site and it has three churches within the one complex. The first chapel dates from before the 1300s when it was overseen by an order of monks. The Sanctuary was built after 1370 after a statue of the Madonna and Child washed up on the shores of Bonaria. This statue has ever since been linked with sailors and ships and is known also as Our Lady of Fair Winds. (Short version of the story). 

To house the huge numbers visiting the statue a larger church had to be built. It is now designated a Minor Basilica and was consecrated in 1926.

We spent a lot if time here then walked about 2.5 kms home, completing a huge loop of the city and a fascinating day in Cagliari.