Located in an elevated position above the city and the gulf, Castello is the oldest neighbourhood in Cagliari, founded by the House of Pisa in the XIII century.
In 1217, the Giudicessa di Càlari (Judge/Queen of Cagliari) informed Pope Honorius III of being forced to concede a hill to the House of Pisa where they built a well defended castle.
In 1258, the House of Pisa destroyed Santa Igia, located near the pond of Santa Gilla and capital of the Càlari giudicato, and replaced its ruling body.
In the XIV century, this fortified centre complete with places of power and worship passed into the hands of the Aragonese; under the Piedmont domination (XVIII-XIX century), the centre was further extended as were the defensive walls.
The ancient Medieval gates, porta Cristina and the torre dell’Elefante, provide access to the neighbourhood, while the walls run the full length of the perimeter.
The neighbourhood has narrow lanes, stairways and small squares offering characteristic glimpses and often panoramic views over the city. Places worth mentioning include the S. M. Assunta cathedral, the Saint Remy stronghold, the Viceregal Palace, former Palazzo di Città and the cittadella dei Musei (museum fortress).
