Castello di San Michele
Medieval castle on the San Michele hill in Cagliari, now a space for exhibitions and cultural events with views over the city.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The castle of San Michele stands on the hill of the same name, about 180 metres high, on the outskirts of Cagliari. The first building, probably with a single tower, dates from the 9th–10th centuries and served as a fortress defending Santa Igia, the ancient capital of the Giudicato di Cagliari. In 1325–1327, after the Catalan conquest, it was granted as a fief to Berengario Carroz and became one of the richest and most renowned residences on the island; the last member of the family to live there was Countess Violante, who died in 1511.
Afterwards the castle was abandoned and fell into decline. Around 1650 it was used as a lazaretto during a plague epidemic; from 1820 to 1848 it was a barracks for invalids, and in 1895, declared a national monument, it was bought by a private owner who had it restored. From the 1930s the hill passed to the military, and until 1977 the castle housed a naval transmitting station. Excavations carried out by the architect Renato Salinas from 1966 brought to light marbles and friezes from the basilica of San Saturno, reused by the Carroz.
Restorations began in 1990–1991, preceded by an archaeological excavation that uncovered underground areas such as the cistern. Since 2001 the castle has been a centre of art and culture: inside it hosts exhibitions, lectures and other initiatives, and it is part of the Cagliari museum system. From the hill there is a wide view over the city.
Highlights
- Medieval castle on the San Michele hill
- Carroz residence of the 14th century
- Cistern and rooms brought to light by the excavations
- Space for exhibitions and cultural events
- Virtual tour in augmented reality
- Operated by
- Comune di Cagliari
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50students aged 6 to 26, over 65s and groups of at least 15 people |
| Children & teens | –Free admission for children up to age 6. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and their companions. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €2.50 per personGroups of at least 15 people. Free admission for group companions and for teachers accompanying school groups. |
| Full ticket with the exhibition on display | €6 |
| Reduced ticket with the exhibition on display | €3 |
| School group ticket (admission and guided tour) | €2 |
| School group ticket (admission only) | €1 |
| Virtual tour in augmented reality (smartphone or tablet) | €2 |
| Guided tour supplement | €2Full guided tour €6, reduced €3, inside and outside the castle. |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The Cagliari Turismo portal lists the castle as accessible.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Paid guided tours (supplement of €2); the virtual tour in augmented reality is accessible from a smartphone or tablet. |
