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Museum · Cagliari, Sardenha
Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari
The main archaeological museum of Sardinia, in the Cittadella dei Musei, with nuragic bronzes, Phoenician, Punic and Roman pieces and the stone statues of Mont'e Prama.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari is the most important archaeological museum in Sardinia. Since 1993 it has occupied a building of the Cittadella dei Musei, a museum complex set up in the old arsenal at the entrance to the Castello, near the Torre di San Pancrazio.
The collection spans from prehistory to the Byzantine period. The bronzetti, small bronze statuettes of the nuragic civilisation, depict warriors, chiefs, priests and boats, and help to understand who built the nuraghi. There are also ceramics, jewellery and Phoenician and Punic inscriptions, and Roman pieces from towns such as Nora.
One of the highlights are the statues of Mont'e Prama, stone figures of warriors, archers and wrestlers found on the Sinis peninsula in the west of the island and reconstructed from thousands of fragments.
The museum's origin is old: the collection began in 1800 in the palace of the viceroys and was opened to the public in 1802.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 2 hours.
Best time
At any time of year; a good option for the hottest hours of summer or for windy and rainy days. Check opening days before you go.
How to get there
It's located on the Piazza Arsenale, in the Cittadella dei Musei, in the northern part of the Castello. From the Piazza Costituzione you can walk up in about 15 minutes or take the public elevator to the Castello.
Tip
Start with the nuragic bronzetti and leave the Mont'e Prama statues for last. Combine the visit with a walk around the Castello.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari
What are the bronzetti?
Small bronze figurines from the Nuragic civilization, depicting warriors, chiefs, priests and boats. They are the main image we have of the people of the nuraghes.
What are the Giants of Mont'e Prama?
Stone statues of warriors, archers and fighters found in the west of Sardenha and reassembled from fragments. Some of them are in this museum.
Is it worth combining with Su Nuraxi?
Yes. The museum helps to understand the Nuragic civilization before or after visiting Su Nuraxi di Barumini.