Why this stunning white marble monument should be your first stop in Sardinia’s capital
Picture this: you’re standing on a grand marble terrace, Cagliari spread out beneath you like a Mediterranean postcard come to life. The azure sea stretches to the horizon while ancient limestone buildings cascade down the hillside below. Welcome to Bastion Saint Remy, where every visit feels like stepping into a living piece of history.
If you’re planning a trip to Cagliari, this magnificent monument isn’t just another tourist attraction to tick off your list—it’s the perfect introduction to everything that makes Sardinia’s capital so captivating. Let’s dive into why this architectural marvel deserves the top spot on your Cagliari itinerary.
What Makes Bastion Saint Remy So Special?
Built between 1896 and 1902 on the old city’s medieval bastions, the Bastion Saint Remy is much more than meets the eye. Named after the Baron of San Remy, the first Viceroy of Piedmont, this striking neoclassical structure serves as both a gateway between Cagliari’s historic districts and one of the city’s most prestigious cultural spaces.
What really sets it apart? The covered gallery and the marvellous Umberto I terrace were designed by Giuseppe Costa and Fulgenzio Setti based on an idea developed by the XIX-century architect Gaetano Cima. The result is a breathtaking blend of classical elegance and strategic urban planning that connects the medieval Castello district with the bustling neighborhoods below.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Exploring the Bastion
Starting Your Journey at Piazza Costituzione
The bastion looks out over Piazza Costituzione where the two streets that have historically been havens of leisurely strolls and shopping, via Garibaldi and via Manno, come together. This square is your perfect starting point, complete with tourist information to help plan the rest of your Cagliari adventure.
The Grand Staircase Experience
The moment you see those marble steps rising majestically before you, you’ll understand why locals call this place “il Bastione.” The long double-ramped staircase, which starts from Piazza Costituzione, marks the entrance to the covered promenade. Don’t worry about the climb—every step brings increasingly spectacular views.
The Covered Gallery (Passeggiata Coperta)
The Promenade Deck (Passeggiata Coperta) of the Bastion of Saint Remy is open from 9.30 to 20.00 every day. This covered walkway isn’t just a passage—it’s an exhibition space where you might catch everything from contemporary art displays to cultural events. Over the years, the wide open spaces of the gallery were adapted to a variety of functions: initially for use as banquet halls, then as an infirmary during the war, and later as a refuge for the homeless. In 1948 it hosted the first edition of the international Sardinia Fair.
The Crown Jewel: Umberto I Terrace
Here’s where the magic really happens. Under the main arch that dominates the building is another stairs with two circular ramps that lead to the Umberto I terrace, from which you can enjoy magnificent views over the entire city and the sea. This panoramic viewpoint offers unobstructed views across Cagliari’s rooftops to the Mediterranean beyond—perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots!
What You’ll See from the Top
The terrace provides a 360-degree visual feast. To the west, you’ll spot the salt flats of Molentargius where pink flamingos make their home. Looking south, the sea stretches endlessly toward Africa. Below, the maze-like streets of the Marina and Villanova districts reveal their secrets, while the ancient Castello quarter’s limestone buildings glow golden in the Mediterranean sun.
Beyond the Views: Cultural Experiences
The Bastion isn’t just about stunning vistas—though those alone are worth the visit. It is without doubt a symbol of Cagliari, one of its finest and most majestic monumental complexes, as well as its most prestigious exhibition space. Throughout the year, you’ll find art exhibitions, cultural events, and performances taking place in both the covered gallery and the open-air spaces.
Connecting to Cagliari’s Historic Heart
One of the brilliant things about starting your Cagliari exploration at Bastion Saint Remy is how it connects you to the city’s other treasures. The Bastion of Saint Remy was built in classical style, linking the three southern embankments of Santa Caterina, Zecca, and Sperone, to join the Castle district with the lower districts of Villanova and Marina.
From here, you’re perfectly positioned to explore:
- The Castello District: The district was founded in the thirteenth century by the Pisans, who fortified it, providing it with walls, towers and bastions and transferred the headquarters of civil, military and religious power
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria: Just steps away in the heart of Castello
- Via Garibaldi and Via Manno: Perfect for shopping and people-watching
- The ancient towers: Including the Torre di San Pancrazio and Torre dell’Elefante
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Best Times to Visit: While the Bastion of Saint Remy is located in one open air place so it is possible to be seen 24 hours of 24, the covered areas have specific hours. The golden hour before sunset offers the most magical lighting for photos and the most romantic atmosphere.
Getting There: The Bastion is easily accessible by foot from anywhere in Cagliari’s historic center. If you’re coming from further afield, any bus to the city center will get you close.
Accessibility: The terrace is accessible via both the grand staircase and street-level access from behind the monument, making it friendly for visitors with mobility considerations.
Free vs. Paid Areas: The terrace and much of the structure can be enjoyed for free, though special exhibitions in the gallery may have admission fees.
Why Bastion Saint Remy Should Be Your First Stop
Starting your Cagliari adventure here isn’t just about getting great photos (though you definitely will). It’s about gaining perspective—literally and figuratively. From this elevated vantage point, you’ll understand how Cagliari’s different districts fit together, spot other attractions you want to visit, and get your bearings in this wonderfully layered city.
Walking through the old town centre and its shopping streets, your eyes will be enchanted by a spectacular white marble building with stairs that seem to rise to the heavens, and from where Cagliari will seem even more beautiful.
The Bastion Saint Remy represents everything that makes Cagliari special: layers of history built one upon another, strategic Mediterranean positioning, and that uniquely Italian ability to blend grand architecture with everyday life. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates beautiful views, this monument offers something genuinely special.
So when you find yourself in Sardinia’s captivating capital, make Bastion Saint Remy your first stop. Let it introduce you to Cagliari the way it was meant to be experienced—from above, with the whole city spreading out before you like a promise of adventures to come.
