National Archaeological Museum

The history of the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari started in 1800, when Ludovico Baylle proposed the creation of a museum in order to collect the archaeological collections, to preserve the island Natural History samples and to make it accessible to the public, since 1802.

Since then, several members in the Reign of Sardinia cultural scene were involved in the museum directions, as De Prunner, Spano, Cara, Gennari or Vivanet at the end of XIX century.

Thanks to a large number of donations, private collections purchases, archaelogical finds from different excavation campaigns or objects accidentally recovered, during XIX century the museum was moved to more and more appropriate venues. At the beginning of the XX century, it was moved to the former National Mint and Armory building in piazza Indipendenza, in Castello district, suited by the architect Spano for this new purpose.

The new museum exhibition was organized in different halls according to different themes: prehistoric Sardinia, punic Sardinia, roman Sardinia.

Due to the several archaelogical campaigns after the WWII, since fifties the need of a bigger venue emerged. Because of this necessity, the Citadel of Museums was settled down to accomodate all museum collections and more.

The new National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari has four floors: the first is devoted to an educational presentation of ancient cultures succession in Sardinia, starting from the Neolithic period.

Therafter, we find the nuragic civilization, which is represented by countless artifacts among which it is possible to admire the bronzes collection, that collects samples from all over the island.

Then we have the Phoenician, Punic and Roman civilizations, extremely important for Sardinian history; between the most representative findings there are traditional pottery and fine craftsmanship objects. The ground floor ends with a collection of Punic and Roman coins and a didactic showcase for blinds.

The other three floors are dedicated to the illustration of different territorial areas, with the exposition of the material found in different locations according to topographical criteria, with showcases dedicated to specific archaeological sites. Among them there are very important areas dedicated to Su Nuraxi Barumini, the Sanctuary of Antas and to the Phoenician cities of Sulci and Monte Sirai.

The National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari joins the project "Sunday at the Museum ": the first sunday on every month the entry is free.