Santa Rosalia

Santa Rosalia Church is a baroque structure located in the Marina district of Cagliari and features a single barrel-vaulted nave with an octagonal dome positioned above the presbytery. Four side chapels line each wall of the interior, creating a balanced and orderly layout throughout the sacred space.

Construction started in the 15th century as a small chapel when city authorities made a vow during plague outbreaks ravaging the area. This religious response to a health crisis shaped the building's origins and its meaning for the community.

The front features statues of Franciscan saints Bonaventura and Antonio da Padova placed in wall niches, showing the religious devotion that shaped this neighborhood. People in the area often use the alternate name San Salvatore when referring to it, revealing how local traditions influence how the church is remembered.

The church is open during morning and evening hours, so plan your visit around these times to avoid closed doors. It is situated in the Marina neighborhood and can be easily reached on foot from the city center.

Relics of San Salvatore da Horta were moved to the main altar in 1931, causing locals to call the church by his name instead of its official title. This shift reveals how a sacred relic can reshape what people call a place.

Location: Cagliari

Architectural style: baroque architecture

GPS coordinates: 39.21500,9.11611

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:08