Sardinia is known all over the world for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear sea, food and wine history, and its nightlife. Sardinia also has a great cultural history, however, between past and present, which is ready to welcome tourists from every continent.
Which are the best museums in Sardinia not to be missed? In this article, we will illustrate the history of our island, including archaeological sites, churches, and real museums, even in the open air.
MUSEUMS IN SARDINIA: CHURCHES AND ART IN CAGLIARI
Whatever the purpose of your trip to Sardinia, Cagliari is a destination not to be missed. Located a few kilometers from Orroli, according to legend it was founded by Aristeo, son of the God Apollo, together with the nymph Cyrene. The most ancient finds of this city can be traced back to 3000 B.C. and the history of Cagliari is imprinted in every phase within the city. The museums here focus on the various historical periods that have crossed this area and the entire island.
Here, among the most significant museums in Sardinia, we find:
- The National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari. This is one of the most important museums in Sardinia, and exhibits over 4,000 objects, telling 7,000 years of history, from Prehistory to the High Middle Ages;
- The National Art Gallery of Cagliari. Part of the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari, the art gallery is evidence of the link between the island and the Iberian Peninsula. With its Retabli of Catalan-Aragonese culture, painted on a large gold background, it enchants visitors who have the opportunity to discover something unique;
- San Pancrazio Space: also part of the National Archaeological Museum, it is itself is a museum, an architectural work not to be missed, and that inside houses stone works;
- Basilica di San Saturnino: one of the main early Christian monuments of the Mediterranean. The Basilica is one of the symbols of Cagliari par excellence. A place that can itself be defined as a museum in Sardinia. We assure you it will surprise you.
MUSEUMS IN SARDINIA: 3 PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED
From north to south, passing through the small islands that decorate the sea near Sardinia, this land welcomes and tells stories, leaving visitors speechless. Selecting some places to visit is not easy, but there are 3 places that we recommend you not to miss during your stay in Sardinia:
- The Giuseppe Garibaldi National Memorial Museum is a unique place that leaves anyone who visits it speechless. Inaugurated in 2012, it tells the story of the “Hero of 2 Worlds”, in a historical-monumental path that develops across 800 square meters. The museum is located on the island of La Maddalena;
- Prenuragic Altar of Monti d’Accoddi: located in the province of Sassari, it is a unique monument. It is a rectangular shaped altar with a 40 meter ramp, a sacrifice area, and an attached village. The various levels are visible today in grass and stone, and offer a unique and evocative atmosphere;
- The archaeological area of Tharros. One of the most important and significant places of art in Sardinia. Situated in the Sinis peninsula, in Cabras, it encloses finds from the Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman times. The beauty of the finds, inserted in the frame of this place, where white and blue embrace, make this archaeological area an open-air museum in Sardinia, where you have the opportunity to walk through history.
MUSEUMS IN SARDINIA: WHAT TO DO IN ORROLI
Located in a strategic point of Sardinia, staying in the town of Orroli, you can quickly reach many places of history that enrich the island. However, this area also offers a great cultural proposal, allowing tourists to find themselves within the history, letting themselves be guided by the streets that branch around the city.
Among the most interesting proposals of Orroli we find:
- Nuraghe Arrubbiu: one of the symbols of the city, the Nuraghe Arrubbiu is an example of open-air museums in Sardinia. These ruins occupy an area of almost one hectare and in the past the fortress was composed of about 20 towers;
- Museum Omu Axiu Della Famiglia Vargiu: a place that collects and tells the story of the second last. Thanks to the objects, clothing, and machinery present, visitors have the opportunity to discover traditions and characteristics of the socio-cultural context of Orroli in the 1900s;
- Parco Archeologico e Botanico su Motti (Archaeological and Botanical Park on Motti): a green area where every glimpse allows you to discover and experience a part of the history and tradition of Sardinia as well as to enjoy breathtaking views and the ideal place for your trekking in Sardinia.
- Maratè Museum of Isili, located 15 minutes from Orroli is specialized in copper and textiles, proposing unpublished and suggestive works;
- Nuragic Acropolis Santa Vittoria Serri. Also located 15 minutes from Orroli, the sanctuary is among the most romantic places in the area, so much so that it is also used for the celebration of weddings.
- House museum Is lollas de is aiaiusu, located in Mandas (about 20 Km from Orroli), is a historical country house where every element tells about Sardinia;
- Museum of sacred art Peregrinatio Fidei, also in Mandas, is a deconsecrated church that collects wonders from various places of worship scattered throughout Sardinia.
For your vacation, museums in Sardinia are a must-see, allowing you to discover sides of Mediterranean history often not explored in depth, and to enjoy some of the most iconic and characteristic places in Europe.
Sardinia is an open-air museum, and if you want to experience it with us, Paolo and all the staff of Sa Pardina will gladly accompany you on this unforgettable journey.
