Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, and a region of Italy. First inhabited in prehistoric times, Sardinia was once home of the Nuragic civilization, which built thousands of megalithic structures known as nuraghe throughout the island. Sardinia was later colonized by the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, before being taken by the Romans in the 3rd century BCE. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Sardinia was ruled by the Vandals, and was then part of the Byzantine Empire until the 11th century. The island was then divided between four kingdoms known as Judicates: the Judicate of Cagliari, the Judicate of Arborea, the Judicate of Gallura, and the Judicate of Torres. After a series of wars that also involved the maritime republics of Genoa and Pisa, the entire island fell under the control of the Aragonese, as the Kingdom of Sardinia. The island remained under Spanish rule until the 18th century, and after a brief Austrian occupation, it passed to the House of Savoy. Kingdom of Sardinia became the name of all the possessions of the Savoy, and this state led the wars of Italian unification, so Sardinia became a part of Italy. Sardinia is now a major tourist destination thanks to its numerous beautiful beaches with clear waters and its pristine environment, but also for its archaeological sites. Sardinia is also known for its unique culture and language.
Destinations in Sardinia
Metropolitan City of Cagliari
Province of Nuoro
Province of Oristano
Province of Sassari
Province of South Sardinia
Map of Sardinia
