Cagliari, Sardinia

Cagliari is the last place we are to visit in Sardinia. Being the capital, and the largest city on the island we expected it to be huge. Well the population is about the same as Geelong and to us it has a very laid back feel.  We are staying in the old town, which is very hilly of course because that is where the castle is and was. The view from the old town is panoramic. We visited the duomo on our first day here: a confection of over the top decoration and extravagance compared with the elegant restraint of the local churches we have visited.
In the crypt there are three chapels where the remains of 137 local martyrs are stored. Because the town was controlled and overrun by all of the usual invaders an conquerers the duomo has an eclectic and jumbled feel.

below, the holy martyrs

  and lots of over the top decoration

Our lovely teacher Sebastiana

We have spent two weeks learning Italian at Languages Point in Porto Torres with the lovely Sebastiana - who is known by her diminutive Bastiananina. She was an excellent teacher very patient and flexible, very experienced and extremely well prepared. We have had a wonderful 2 weeks with her. It could not have been better.

Early Morning to evening

Can't get tired of looking at this view from our dining/sitting room.

Picturesque Porto Torres, Sardinia

The coast near this town is very pretty. The last image is of the tower ... Torre from which the place takes its name. Though it is not 'the season' yet, there are many boats and yachts in the harbour. It is a small town .... Not swamped by crass tourism. So it makes for a very interesting getaway. I am glad we are not part of the seasonal migration. Our apartment is very quiet and has a sensational view of the sea which will feature in the next post.