When one thinks of the oldest city in Italy, Rome immediately comes to mind, but that is not the case. Sant’Antioco (in Sardinia) is the oldest city in Italy in terms of urban foundation. It was founded by the Phoenicians under the name of Sulky in the 8th century BC (around 770 BC), preceding the founding of the Eternal City by a few decades (April 21, 753 BC).
The History of Sulky
An important Phoenician trading center, it later came under Carthaginian and Roman control. Today it preserves an incredible archaeological heritage, including the Tophet ( a Phoenician-Punic sanctuary) and the early Christian catacombs.
What to see
In addition to the dreamy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, Sant’Antioco offers several tourist attractions. The Basilica of Saint Antioco the Martyr, for example, is one of Sardinia’s oldest churches (5th–6th centuries). Beneath the basilica, you can visit the Catacombs, the only site of its kind on the island, where the patron saint was buried.
The “Ferruccio Barreca” Archaeological Museum (MAB) houses Phoenician-Punic artifacts of inestimable value and is located next to the Tophet,the ancient open-air sanctuary dedicated to children. Don’t miss the Underground Village, a series of tombs used since Phoenician times and inhabited until the 1970s by the town’s poorest families (the“gruttai”).
If you climb up to Forte Sabaudo (Su Pisu), built in the 19th century to defend the city from Barbary pirate raids, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Gulf of Palmas from its summit.
On the nature side, Maladroxia Beach is one of the island’s most famous beaches, known for its crystal-clear waters and the thermal springs that bubble up from the seabed. Finally, the Nido dei Passeri, near the town of Calasetta, is a striking cliff overlooking the sea, perfect for watching the sunset.
How to get there from Rome
The trip requires a combination of flight or ferry and car/public transportation. The fastest way is to fly from Rome (Fiumicino or Ciampino) to Cagliari Elmas Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a train/bus to Sant’Antioco (about a 1-hour and 15-minute drive).
Fun fact: As for the country’s oldest city, if we consider continuous habitation, the title belongs to Matera.
