Iglesias Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the southwestern part of Sardinia, Italy, lies the charming and historic town of Iglesias. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking landscapes, Iglesias offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.

Steeped in medieval charm, Iglesias boasts a wealth of architectural wonders that transport visitors back in time. The town's historic center, known as "Sa Costera," is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings. As you wander through this enchanting district, you'll encounter ancient churches, such as the Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa Chiara, adorned with beautiful frescoes and intricate carvings.

One of Iglesias' most iconic landmarks is the Castello di Salvaterra, a medieval fortress perched atop a hill overlooking the town. Dating back to the 13th century, this impressive castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and serves as a reminder of Iglesias' strategic importance in the past.

For nature enthusiasts, Iglesias is a gateway to breathtaking landscapes. Just a short drive from the town, you'll find the stunning coastline of the Costa Verde, characterized by its golden sand dunes and crystal-clear waters. Whether you prefer relaxing on the beach or exploring hidden coves and caves, the coastal beauty of Iglesias will leave you in awe.

In addition to its natural wonders, Iglesias is also known for its mining heritage. The town was once a thriving mining center, and you can delve into its history by visiting the Museo del Carbone, a museum dedicated to the region's coal mining industry. Here, you can learn about the lives of the miners and explore the underground tunnels that once buzzed with activity.

No visit to Iglesias is complete without savoring the local cuisine. The town boasts a variety of traditional Sardinian dishes, such as the hearty "malloreddus" pasta served with rich tomato sauce and pecorino cheese. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, and you'll experience the true flavors of this captivating region.

Alternative names: Population: 22.7 thous.Area: 80.4 mi²Elevation: 663 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°18'47"N, 8°32'4"E

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SardiniaItaly

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Iglesias Top Attractions

Iglesias Attractions - What to See and Explore

Iglesias offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Masua, Porto Flavia, Parco Associazione Mineraria Sarda, Giardino Montano Linasia. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

39°20'1"N • 8°25'10"E
Masua
Beach • Park • Outdoor activities
Mine • Lookout • Harbor
Porto Flavia
Porto Flavia is a sea harbor located near Nebida in the Iglesias comune of South Sardinia in Italy. Built in 1923–24, it served as the mineral production hub of Masua in the west coast of the Sardinian Iglesiente area. It is named after Flavia Vecelli, the daughter of the harbor's engineer and designer Cesare Vecelli.
39°18'41"N • 8°31'55"E
Parco Associazione Mineraria Sarda
Specialty museum • Museum

Botanical garden
Giardino Montano Linasia
The Giardino Montano Linasia is a nature preserve and botanical garden located at 720 meters altitude near Monte Linas in San Benedetto, Iglesias, Province of Carbonia-Iglesias, Sardinia, Italy.
39°18'49"N • 8°31'58"E
Cattedrale Santa Chiara
Historical place • Sacred and religious sites • Church
Church
Chiesa San Francesco
The church of San Francesco stands in the square of the same name in the historic center of the city of Iglesias, not far from the cathedral of Santa Chiara.
Historical place • Forts and castles
Castello Salvaterra
Salvaterra Castle is a fortified building located in the municipality of Iglesias in Sardinia.
Church
Chiesa di Nostra Signora di Valverde
The church of Our Lady of Valverde is a medieval religious building originally located outside the walls of Villa di Chiesa, now on the outskirts of Iglesias.
Church
Church of San Michele
The Church of San Michele is a 15th-century church in Iglesias, owned by the Archconfraternity of the Vergine della Pietà del Santo Monte, the centerpiece of the Rites of Holy Week in Iglesias, which are curated by the Archconfraternity.
Church
Church of San Salvatore
The Church of Christ the Savior is a Byzantine-era religious building located on the outskirts of Iglesias. The plan of the church is cruciform, similar to the coeval church of Santa Croce in Ittireddu.

Day trips

Iglesias – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Iglesias, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Su Nuraxi (Barumini), Capo Sant'Elia Lighthouse (Cagliari), Capo Spartivento Lighthouse (Domus de Maria).

36 milesNE
, Archaeological site
Su Nuraxi, Barumini
Nestled in the rolling hills of Sardinia, the archaeological site of Su Nuraxi stands as a testament to the island's ancient Nuragic civilization. Located near the town of Barumini, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a premier attraction for history enthusiasts...
34 milesE
Lighthouse
Capo Sant'Elia Lighthouse, Cagliari
Perched on the promontory of Capo Sant'Elia, the Capo Sant'Elia Lighthouse stands as a beacon of guidance for seafarers navigating the Gulf of Cagliari, on the southern coast of Sardinia, Italy. This active lighthouse, operational since its establishment in 1850, is a...
34 milesSE
Lighthouse
Capo Spartivento Lighthouse, Domus de Maria
Capo Spartivento Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located on Cape Spartivento promontory which is the southernmost point of Sardinia and represents the eastern boundary of the Gulf of Teulada and the western limit of the Gulf of Cagliari on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
39 milesN
City, Archaeological site, Historical place
Tharros, Cabras
Tharros was an ancient city and former bishopric on the west coast of Sardinia, Italy. It is currently a Latin Catholic titular see and an archaeological site near the village of San Giovanni di Sinis, municipality of Cabras, in the Province of Oristano.
32 milesE
13th-century cathedral with royal tombs
Cagliari Cathedral, Cagliari
Nestled in the historic heart of Sardinia's capital, Cagliari Cathedral stands as a testament to the city's rich religious and architectural heritage. Officially named the Cathedral of Santa Maria and often referred to as the Duomo di Cagliari, this church is a...