Breakfast at Hotel Italia a very busy affair with over a hundred rooms spread in this street
We met Paola at 9.15am on the beautiful Largo Carlo Felice, lined with jacaranda trees.
First stop San Benedetto Markets
Extensive range of fish, vegetables, cheese and meats (and all their bits)
Next stop the Castello district high above the town. Established in the thirteenth century as a fortress by the conquering city state of Pisa.
You enter through the impressive gate of Porta Cristina - 170 steps.
It has been home to the aristocracy, a Jewish district (Jews expelled in 1492) but now houses many churches, government buildings and part of the University.
Impressive ramparts and medieval towers and gates.
Brief break to enjoy a delicious savoury pastry typical of this area
In 1943 during WW2 the Americans bombed the Castello in an effort to distract the Germans from Sicily. Many of the buildings have remained in a state of disrepair.
The original walls built by the Pisans, covered in native climbing caper plant.
Lunch nearby.
The afternoon we spent an hour from Cagliari in the rural district of Dolianova.
First a visit to the 12th century Romanesque Cathedral church dedicated to San Pantaleo- a doctor and martyr in medieval times.
There is evidence that there may be a church dating back to the 6th century underneath.
Nearby, is the Lecis Winery, established by Ferrucio Deiana in the 1960s.
Their PR person, Alicia, spent a few hours with us, showing us their vines, the process for all the varieties of grape and finishing with a generous tasting of four wines. Very impressive and enthusiastic presentation. Just a delight.
Dinner at a restaurant near our hotel
M&M
2 comments:
Fabulous tour.
Looks like your guide is giving you a really comprehensive experience. Hope you're both enjoying it thoroughly. Especially Mark as the walking is limited....Julie
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