Castello is one of the four historic quarters of Cagliari and rises upon a calcareous summit that dominates the City from above.

Marina is one of the four historic quarters of Cagliari, tied to the port since the presence of the Romans. Its ancient name "Lapola" probably indicated a part of the port of call, then used for the entire quarter.

The historic district of Stampace extends under the Castello fortress-district. Its name seems to derive from the Medieval well-wishing words "Stai in pace" ("Be in peace"), which is significantly testified by some old documents of this Pisan town itself.

Villanova is the youngest of the four historic quarters of Cagliari and its construction on the east side of the Castello Hill began in the 13th century. Unlike the other historic quarters of Cagliari, Villanova has always been considered independent, as it was a small village at the border of the City.

The archaeological excavations have brought to light a huge necropolis, used from the Punic-Phoenician period to the High Medieval one, and which extends from the slopes of Bonaria Hill to here. This area has the oldest Roman necropolis in the City.

Cagliari offers several different ecosystems in which wild animals and plants live. The City is settled right where the flatland Campidano ends in front of the Mediterranean sea. Between the flatland and the sea we can find two wet areas on both sides of the City: The Santa Gilla Lagoon and the Marsh of Molentargius, and the Salt works.