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Villasimius e Capo Carbonara

From north taking the state road Orientale and following the direction to Villasimius; from Cagliari by car in about one hour (a bit more if you go by bus), driving along the wonderful road along the coast, which hides a cove behind every bend, with clean turquoise waters and white sandy or cobbled beaches. Along the way, especially in summer, you’ll often encounter some temporary booths selling local fresh fruit and vegetables, pills of genuine food which partly balance the bad impression caused by the sight of the numerous houses strewn along the coast with “private access” to the beach lying below.

Villasimius

Mass tourism has strongly increased over the last years, but, although many people see in this area a potential antagonist to the “Emerald Coast”, this shore and its inland have so far managed to preserve themselves, thanks also to the providential archaeological ruins which were recently found, and which helped limiting or stopping the wild housing expansion. For this reason, even during the high season these clean blue waters remain much more enjoyable than the beaches on the Emerald Coast.

Una spiaggia a Villasimius

Apart from the simple and monotonous beach life it is possible to make some daily excursions to the sea park of Capo Carbonara, where you can practice snorkelling, or simply enjoy a swimming around the CabbagesIslandor the island of Serpentara, or even join some guided immersions to discover the numerous relics lying just underneath the surface. Villasimius was in fact a strategic point in the ancient times, being on the course of the sea trade, and where the ancient nuragic site stood (XIX - VI century b.c.) a Punic colony settled down (VII-II century b.c.), which was soon replaced by a Roman one. While the relic lying on the depths opposite the Cabbages Island probably dates to the Aragonese period ( probably a cargo vessel shipwrecked around the year 1450 with its load of azulejos and amphoras, cannons and munitions). This long history is reproduced inside the Archaeological museum of the town. Far from being a simple collection of finds, this museum aims at becoming an active laboratory in the field of research and archaeological promotion, also considering that the digging activities are still at a premature stage respect to the considerable heritage still hidden among these hills. The museum also represents a pleasant surprise for the suitability of the exhibiting path, which consent to everybody (thanks to the competent guides) to enjoy the visit. The assistance of a guide is included in all tickets, and the finds  are placed in a very ordered way, grouped into 4 specific halls:
the Territory hall, hosting materials coming from the Roman settlement (III sec. B.c. – V sec. B.c.) and the funeral ornaments of the necropolis of Accu Is Travas andCruccuris;
The Sanctuary hall of Cuccureddus, a Punic settlement dating back to the VII century b.c. – V century a.c.) where coins, amphoras and common tools were found, together with numerous ex votos ornaments (masks and reproductions of anatomic parts) donated as homage to the Gods by the sailors circumnavigating Cape Carbonara;
The Sea hall, hosting the finds recuperated from the near sea depths, maybe the most suggestive hall together with the Relic Hall, with illustrative panels are placed in support if the exhibited objects, documenting the crucial phases of the recuperation. Another interesting point is the Old fortress, dating back to the 14th century, but used as a defensive building in various successive ages of the troubled Sardinian history. The fortress currently hosts temporary exhibitions.


Archaeological museum of Villasimius, Via A. Frau
Tel.: 0039 070 7930290
Fax: 0039 070 7928041
Web: www.villasimiusweb.com
E-mail: museo@villasimiusweb.com


Opening hours:
Tuesday to Thursday from 10.00 am to 13.00 pm; Friday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 13.00 pm, and from17.00 pm to 19.00 pm

Night openings are available in summer.
Closed on Monday
ticket:
full rate € 3,00; half rate: € 1,50 (adults over 65, groups of at least 10 persons, students, university students showing their card). Free admission for children under 6.
Guided visit: included in the price
Fortezza Vecchia, Piazza Gramsci, 1
Tel.: 070 7930232
Fax: 070 7928041
Web: www.villasimiusweb.com
E-mail: fortezza@villasimiusweb.com


Tickets
Full rate: € 1,00. Free admission for children under 6
Combined ticket: valid for the Archaeological Museum, the Old Fortress and the temporary exhibitions organised by the association Cuccureddus, which manages the Museum and the Fortress
Full rate: € 4,00; Half rate € 2,50
Bus timetables  
Cagliari-Villasimius (departure from Piazza Matteotti)
summer timetable (valid from16/6 to 15/9): 08,15; 11,15; 12,30; 14,05; 16,00; 17,00; 19,00; 21,00
winter timetable: 05,00; 08,15; 11,15; 14,05; 20,10
Villasimius-Cagliari (departure from Piazza Gramsci)
summer timetable (from 16/6 to 15/9): 08,45; 11,35; 14,35; 18,20; 20,10; 22,10; 00,20
winter timetable : 06,30; 08,20; 11,05; 12,45; 15,45; 18,25
Journey length:  1 h 25’