CASTELLO D'ELEONORA D'ARBOREA

Called Eleonora d'Arborée Castle, no one knows if Sanluri Castle ever housed the judge for even one night. On the other hand, situated on the edge of the Judges' Offices of Arborée and Cagliari, its strategic location was long coveted. The first building dates back to the 12th century. The four quadrangular towers were added in the 14th century. This fortified castle is famous for the battle that took place there on 30 June 1409. The soldiers of Sanluri were captured and among them a beautiful young girl with whom Martin I of Sicily fell in love. Legend has it that the king and his belle fell passionately in love in the fortress of Sanluri for barely a month, until their death surprised the king on July 25, 1409. The castle was abandoned and in 1927 it was bought by Count Nino Villasanta, who restored it and turned it into a residence and museum. The rooms open to the public are divided into 4 areas dedicated to different themes. Two of them are dedicated to the world wars, the African campaigns and fascism. The third exhibits an astonishing collection of wax statuettes, the oldest of which date back to the Florentine Renaissance. The fourth is dedicated to the history of the region through paintings and sculptures dating back to the 16th century. The entrance is through the main courtyard, which faces a monumental staircase. Of Sardinia's 88 medieval castles, this is the only one still inhabitable.