Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IGLESIAS & THE SOUTHWEST
TOP OF CHAPTER
Iglesias
POP 27,552
Surrounded by the skeletons of Sardinia's once-thriving mining industry, Iglesias bubbles
in the summer and slumbers in the colder months. Its historical centre, an appealing en-
semble of lived-in piazzas, sun-bleached buildings and Aragonese-style wrought-iron bal-
conies, creates an atmosphere that is as much Iberian as Sardinian - a vestige of its history
as a Spanish colony. Visit at Easter to experience a quasi-Seville experience during the ex-
traordinary drum-beating processions.
The Romans called the town Metalla after the precious metals mined here, especially
lead and silver. Mining equipment dating back to the Carthaginian era was discovered in
the 19th century.
Sights
Centro Storico
Iglesias' central square, Piazza Quintino Sella was laid out in the 19th century in what was at
the time a field outside the city walls. Just off the square, scruffy stairs lead up to a stout
tower which is all that remains of Castello Salvaterra , a Pisan fortress built in the 13th cen-
tury. A stretch of the northwestern perimeter wall survives along Via Campidano.
Dominating the eastern flank of Piazza del Municipio in the heart of the centro storico
(historic centre) , the Duomo (Piazza del Municipio) is still closed for renovation, but retains a
lovely Pisan-flavoured facade, as does the bell tower, with its chequer-board stonework.
HISTORIC QUARTER
Museo dell'Arte Mineraria
( www.museoartemineraria.it ; Via Roma 47; adult/reduced €4/2; 6.30-8.30pm Sat-Sun summer, by ap-
pointment rest of year) Bone up on Iglesias' mining history at this former mining school. You
can experience the harsh conditions in which miners worked in a series of recreated mine
shafts.
MUSEUM
 
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