IglesiasOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Pisan Stronghold to Aragonese Conquest

Iglesias, originally known as Villa di Chiesa (Village of Churches), was founded by the Pisans in the 13th century by Count Ugolino della Gherardesca. The city is first mentioned in 1272. During this Pisan era, Villa di Chiesa developed due to its lead and silver resources, becoming one of the most important cities in southern Sardinia, second only to Cagliari. In the early 14th century, its mines produced an estimated 10% of Europe's circulating silver.

In 1324, after a seven-month siege, the city surrendered to Catalan-Aragonese forces on February 7th, becoming the first Sardinian city to fall to the Iberians. It was recognized as a royal city in June 1327. During the Aragonese period, the city's name changed from Villa di Chiesa to Iglesias, meaning "churches" in Spanish, reflecting the places of worship built during the medieval period. The Black Death in 1348 reduced the population, and centuries of Spanish rule, combined with plagues, led to the abandonment of many mines.

The Mining Revival and Modern Era

Interest in mining resumed in the 18th century when Sardinia became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia under the House of Savoy in 1720. The mid-19th century saw economic and social renewal in Iglesias due to the reopening of nearby mines. The Iglesiente mining district became one of Europe's most important, attracting workers and investors. The city's population grew from 5,000-6,000 in the 1850s to approximately 20,000 by the early 20th century. The Sardinian mining sector faced a crisis after World War II, leading to the closure of most mines by the 1970s. Today, Iglesias maintains its past, with many former mining sites now part of Sardinia's Historical and Environmental Geomineral Park, recognized by UNESCO.

• —Castello di Salvaterra — This medieval fortress, originally Castello di San Guantino, was built after 1258, likely by Count Ugolino Della Gherardesca. It offers views of the city and houses an exhibition on Medieval History and Torture, with weapons, armor, and Inquisition-era devices.
• —Cattedrale di Santa Chiara — This Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, one of the first dedicated to Chiara of Assisi, was built between 1284 and 1288. It has a Pisan-influenced facade and a square bell tower with four bronze bells, the oldest from 1327. Inside, 16th-century renovations gave it a Catalan Gothic appearance, and a gilded retable once held the relics of St. Antiochus.
• —Pisan Walls (near Porta Romana) — Sections of the ancient city walls and towers, built under Pisan rule in the 13th century and reinforced by the Aragonese, show the city's strategic past.
• —Piazza Sella — This square serves as a starting point for exploring the historic center.
• —Palazzo Civico (Town Hall) — This neoclassical building stands opposite the Cattedrale di Santa Chiara in Piazza Municipio.
• —Via Roma (historic section) — This street shows medieval, Aragonese, and later Piedmontese and mining-era buildings.
• —Pozzo Sella (exterior) — This structure, built between 1872 and 1874 as part of the Monteponi mine complex, extracted water. Its architecture later housed technological services for the mine, such as workshops and forges.
• —Porto Flavia — A short drive from Iglesias, this mining port was built into the cliffside. It operated until the 1960s and is now open for guided tours, showing its role in mineral transportation.

The best time to visit Iglesias for outdoor activities is from late May to late September, with a peak in late June, when temperatures are between 18°C-27°C. For hot-weather activities like beaches, early July to late August is suitable, with sea temperatures reaching 25-26°C. July and August are peak season, with crowds and higher prices.

Spring (April to May) has mild temperatures, suitable for hiking, with fewer crowds. Autumn (September to October) also has a mild climate, suitable for visiting mining sites and coastal areas. The sea remains warm enough for swimming in early October. The Ottobrata Iglesiente, a month of cultural events, takes place in October.

Winter (November to March) is cooler and windier, with more cloud cover and precipitation, making it less suitable for outdoor activities.

Iglesias is in southwestern Sardinia, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Cagliari. The easiest way to reach Iglesias is by car, taking the SS130 from Cagliari, a 50-60 minute drive. A car is recommended for exploring surrounding mining sites and beaches like Porto Flavia or Cala Domestica.

Iglesias can be reached by train from Cagliari in about an hour. However, exploring nearby attractions without a car is difficult as public transport does not cover the mining coast. The historic center of Iglesias is compact and walkable. Parking is generally available around the town.

Iglesias hosts the Candelieri religious procession in mid-August. The city also has Holy Week rituals and medieval parades. Some shops may observe a siesta in the early afternoon.