A city in southwestern Sardinia, Iglesias is located at 176 meters above sea level, within the Cixerri territory that extends from Gonnesa to Fluminimaggiore, encompassing the plain separating the region's mountain ranges. It borders the sea to the west, from the S'Omini Mortu rock to Cala Domestica, and then clockwise with the municipalities of Buggerru, Fluminimaggiore, Domusnovas, Musei, Villamassargia, Narcao, Carbonia, and Gonnesa.
The administrative island, called the San Marco region, includes numerous hamlets, such as Bindua, Monte Agruxiau, Nebida-Masua, Corongiu- Tanì, S. Benedetto, S. Giovanni Miniera.
Ranked ninth in Sardinia by population, it is the capital, along with the recently renamed Carbonia, of the province of Carbonia-Iglesias. The city is home to some of the Provincial Council's bodies and has been the bishop's seat since 1503.
Iglesias, with its centuries-old history, is now a modern and sophisticated city, experiencing a new social, economic, and cultural lifestyle. Its population has grown by several thousand in recent years, and with the emergence of new neighborhoods over the past thirty years, it has also seen steady civic growth.
The topography of the church reflects its historical and economic history. Indeed, three phases of urban development can be identified: the medieval period, the mining boom, and the post-war period.
The historic centre extends within the medieval fortified walls; various sections of the walls, towers and ruins of the Salvaterra castle are visible, restoration work of which is underway.
The modern center develops around the square named after Quintino Sella – a major driving force behind the island's mining industry – which, together with the adjacent Piazza Oberdan, constitutes a lively and popular meeting point.
As its name suggests, Iglesias is home to valuable monuments of religious architecture, which house valuable works of art, such as the Cathedral of Santa Chiara, the churches of the Madonna di Valverde, San Francesco, Madonna delle Grazie, and the Purissima.
Its economic history has seen ups and downs, as it has always been closely tied to mining. Its greatest moments were during the Pisan and Aragonese rule, in the second half of the 18th century, during the Savoy period, and after the mid-19th century.
Following the recent crises and the resulting closure of the mines, numerous reclamation and site enhancement projects have been undertaken. This vast industrial heritage, no less valuable than the urban, monumental, and natural heritage, is invaluable for a town aiming to transform into a tourist destination.
Main tourist attractions
MUSEUMS
Diocesan Museum
Pistis-Corsi Collection
The Museum of Mining Machinery – Masua
Mining Art Museum
Mineralogy Museum
Ethnographic Museum
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
Porto Flavia
Grotto of Santa Barbara
RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
Cloister of San Francesco
Shrine of St. Joseph
Church of the Purissima
Church of San Michele
The monumental cemetery
Sanctuary of the Virgin of Buoncamino
Church of Sant'Antonio Abate
Church of San Domenico
Church of Our Lady of Grace
Church of San Francesco
Church of the College
Church of Santa Maria di Valverde
Church of Santa Chiara
CIVIL ARCHITECTURE
Ancient La Marmora Bakery
Building of the Sardinian Mining Association
Giorgio Asproni Mining Technical Institute
Girls' Elementary Schools
Historical Archive
Town Hall
Electra Cinema
Maimone Fountain
Liberty Building
Salvaterra Castle
Pisan Walls
NATURA
The Sugarloaf
The coast
The Linas-Marganai forests
Events
Crossbow Tournament
October in Iglesiente
Medieval Summer of Iglesiente
Contact us
Via Isonzo 7, 09016, Iglesias (CI)
Tel: 39 0781 274200
www.comune.iglesias.ca.it
Website: www.visitiglesias.it
