Palazzo Regio – Five centuries of power within the walls of Cagliari’s Castello

History and Description

The Palazzo Regio, also known as the Viceroy’s Palace, is one of the most important historic buildings in Cagliari. It stands in the heart of the medieval Castello district, in Piazza Palazzo, next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Archbishop’s Palace.

Its origins date back to the 13th century, when it was built by the Pisans as the residence of the local governor. In 1337, Peter IV of Aragon designated it as the home of the viceroy, the sovereign’s representative on the island. From then on, the palace became the political center of Sardinia during the Aragonese, Spanish, and Savoy dominations.

In the 18th century, under Piedmontese rule, the palace underwent major restoration and expansion: in 1730, engineers De Guibert and De Vincenti built the famous monumental staircase, while in 1735, engineer Augusto de la Vallée redesigned the elegant state rooms. The west façade was completed in 1769, as indicated by an inscription above the central balcony.

From 1799 to 1815, during the Savoy exile caused by the Napoleonic occupation of Turin, the palace became a royal residence, and Cagliari served as the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia for 15 years.

In 1885, the Province of Cagliari acquired the building and made it an institutional seat. Between 1893 and 1896, the magnificent Council Hall was decorated with frescoes by painter Domenico Bruschi and stuccoes by Raffaele Angeletti.

Today, the palace houses the Prefecture and the Metropolitan City of Cagliari, preserving its historic grandeur. Highlights include:

• The monumental staircase with two marble lions
• The Council Hall, with frescoes depicting Sardinian history and royal portraits
• The Hall of the Halberdiers, featuring a gallery of viceroy portraits
• The Flag Room and Yellow Room, decorated with allegorical scenes and royal imagery
• The King’s study, with period silverware and porcelain

Curiosities

• It is said that Charles V, during his visit to Cagliari in 1535, called the palace “a fortress of nobility and power.”
• Princess Maria Cristina of Savoy, now beatified, was born within the palace walls.
• The ceiling of the Council Hall features Sardinia holding the Savoy shield, symbolizing the unity between the island and the monarchy.
• The Hall of the Halberdiers preserves 24 original portraits of the viceroys who governed Sardinia.

Access Information

The Palazzo Regio is open daily.

Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tickets:

• Full: €5 (guided tour)
• Reduced: €3
• Combined with temporary exhibitions: €4

Guided tours, available in multiple languages, can be booked by calling 070 4092010.

How to Get There

 Address: Piazza Palazzo 1–2, Castello district, Cagliari

• On foot: From the city center, walk along Via Duomo, Via Canelles, or Via Martini
• By bus: Lines 7, 8, and 10 stop nearby (stop: “Bastione di Saint Remy”)
• By car: Recommended parking in the Villanova district or along Viale Regina Elena, due to limited vehicle access in the upper Castello area

• From Bastione di Saint Remy: A scenic uphill walk leads directly to Piazza Palazzo

  photo credist of sardegnaturismo.it