Sardinia Museums

(Sardinia, Italy)

The best of Sardinia's museums generally based in the capital, Cagliari. Although there are several others dotted around the island, including in Alghero, Carbonia, Nuoro, Olbia, Oristano and Sassari, it really is best to hit the capital and make a day of it.

Located in Cagliari, the Cittadella Museum Complex stands on the site of the former Royal Arsenal and is the most altogether cultural attraction on Sardinia. The Cittadella is home to four separate museums, concentrating on subject matters such as archaeology, Siamese art, national art and wax works. All of these venues are worthy of some time, with the Wax Museum in particular being interesting for those looking for something a little different.

National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale)

Address: Cittadella dei Musei, Piazza Arsenale, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 070 684 000
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale is one of the main museums in the Cittadella Museum Complex and covers the various races that first inhabited the island of Sardinia. The Nuragici folk are perhaps the most intriguing, having built numerous stone structures (Nuraghes) around the island. This attraction is home to many artefacts from their culture, with 7,000 year-old Bronze Age statues (bronzetti) serving as the main highlights. Also on exhibit are some interesting Roman artefacts unearthed at sites all over the island.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, discount for students, under 18s free

Wax Museum (Mostra di Cere Anatomiche)

Address: Cittadella dei Musei, Piazza Arsenale, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 070 664 783
Located within the Cittadella Complex, the popular Wax Museum is one of the most enjoyable here and is well-known for its rather gruesome anatomical models, created in wax. There are more than 20 lifelike wax figures on exhibit, sculpted by Clemente Susini - a noted Florentine sculptor. Each of these wax works show cross-sections of the human body in the finest detail.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 13:00, 17:00 to 21:00
Admission: charge, discounts for students, under 18s free

Sardinian Railway Museum (Museo Ferroviario)

Address: Monserrato Station, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 070 580 246
Another of Cagliari's interesting museums is the Sardinian Railway Museum. It tells the story of narrow gauge on Sardinia from 1860 and boasts a number of steam engines both inside and out. There are also photographs of the complementary narrow gauge, as well as instrumentation and train furnishings. This attraction is easy to locate and can be found in the Monserrato Station.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

National Museum of Sanna (Museo Nazionale Sanna)

Address: Via Roma 64, Sassari, Sardinia, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 079 272 203
The Museo Nazionale Sanna in Sassari sheds light on those mysterious stone towers that dot the Sardinian landscape. These structures are known as 'Nuraghes' and there are approximately 9,000 in total. Though their purpose is unclear, it is believed that these distinctive towers date from as long ago as the Bronze Age era. Also on exhibit are pieces discovered during excavation work at archeological sites in both Nuoro and Sassari.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, discount for those under 25 years