The provincial capital of Sardinia, Cagliari is considered the centre of tourism, culture, and the economy in the region. The city stands on seven hills, the most important of which is Castello, and is surrounded by imposing towers and bastions.

At a stone’s throw from Sa Domu Cheta, you can go for a stroll amid Cagliari’s green lung – the Botanical Garden with its marvellous species of Mediterranean and even tropical plants.

Sa Domu cheta is located in Stampace, the oldest quarter of the city. Stampace houses the most beautiful churches in the historic centre, including San Michele, the wonderful church of Sant’Anna with its spectacular steps, the deconsecrated church of Santa Restituta, and the church of Sant’Efisio, the patron saint of Stampace who is also considered the protector of all Sardinia.

Efis, as the Stampacini affectionately refer to the day of their patron saint, is celebrated on 1st May with one of the oldest and longest religious processions in Italian culture. Groups of people in traditional dress come from all over Sardinia to join a parade of about 65 km on foot. The route goes from Cagliari to Nora, where Efisio was beheaded and martyred, and then back towards Cagliari.

It is said that in 1656 the citizens of Cagliari turned to Sant’Efisio to request deliverance from the plague. A vow was made: if Efisio could defeat the plague, a procession, and festivities would take place in his honour every year. In the same year, the abundant rains made the plague disappear: from that year the sacred vow is respected.