The Essential History of Sardinia

Our luxury Sardinia villa rentals are be the perfect base to discover this Mediterranean gem. Sardinia's history begins with interactions with Phoenicians, Punics, and Romans, and it was partly conquered by Carthage. After being part of the Roman Empire, it fell out of centralised rule. Explore Sardinia's ancient wonders at the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Su Nuraxi in Barumini, featuring well-preserved structures and a fortress dating back 3,500 years.

After the Roman Empire's fall, Sardinia split into four kingdoms. Byzantine influence, waned post the Muslim conquest of Sicily in 827, impacting Sardinian cuisine and architecture. The island became a contested zone among powers like Genoa, Pisa, and the Crown of Aragon. The legacy of these contests is evident in the charming capital of Cagliari. The charming old town, known as Castello, perches atop a hill overlooking the narrow cobblestone streets. Visitors are encouraged to visit the impressive Cagliari Cathedral and enjoy breath-taking panoramic views from the Bastione di Saint Remy.

In 1323, Aragonese forces swiftly conquered Sardinia, ending Pisan control. Until 1720, the Spanish influenced the island's gastronomy, culture, and language. Explore Alghero, celebrated for its Catalan heritage and medieval charm. Wander its cobblestone streets, visit the striking Alghero Cathedral, and savour fresh seafood along the scenic promenade. Don't overlook the nearby Neptune’s Grotto, a remarkable sea cave adorned with otherworldly stalactites.

After 1720, Sardinia was transferred to the Kings of Piedmont in northern Italy. With the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy, orchestrated by the Kings of Piedmont-Sardinia, Sardinia came under Italian rule. Notably, the Day of the Sardinian Vespers on April 28th commemorates a failed uprising against Piedmontese rule. During this event, Sardinian rebels identified outsiders by asking them to pronounce "chickpea" in Sardinian. Though unsuccessful, Sardinia was the second European country after France to experience a homegrown revolution.

Finally, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in Sardinia’s captivating landscape – a cause of frustration for occupying armies and states. Visit the stunning landscapes of Gola Su Gorropu, Europe’s deepest canyon, offering breathtaking views or head to the mesmerising Costa Smeralda, famed for its crystal-clear turquoise water. Relax upon the white sands of the beaches of Capriccioli and Spiagga del Principe.

Visitors would be hard-pressed to give Sardinian cuisine a miss, known for its flavourful cured meats and cheeses. Traditional dishes include porceddu (roasted suckling pig) and seadas (a fried pastry filled with cheese and drizzled with honey) and which pairs well with Sardinian local wines like the Vermentino and Cannonau.

Written by Luca Boot, Essenza's Chief Historian. Luca holds a First Class degree in History from the University of Oxford and a Master's degree in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics. Luca is co-author with Sir Anthony Seldon on 'Truss at No 10: How Not to be Prime Minister'. Luca's ability to relate historical events means he's able to explain in an engaging manner the 'why' to much of how Italy operates today.