More than six hundred thousand bibliographic units, including more than six thousand autographs and manuscripts, almost six hundred codices and more than two hundred incunambula, including the oldest printed edition of the Carta de Logu - a code of laws in force in the Sardinian giudicati in the Middle Ages -, some very rare works from the 15th century and a codex of the Divine Comedy dated between the 14th and 15th centuries. The University Library of Cagliari is a prestigious 'guardian' of the written memory of the Island, thanks to its large collection of volumes and prints and the charm of the building and its furnishings. Founded in 1764, during the reign of Charles Emmanuel III of Savoy, it is located inside the University Palace, above the Balice Bastion. Originally, the complex was to comprise three buildings: the University and Tridentine Seminary buildings and, between them, a theatre, which was never realised. The library was housed in the Sala Grande, now the 'eighteenth-century hall', but over time it acquired new spaces in both buildings.

Through the entrance gates, you will reach two large atriums lit by arched glass windows. From the atriums, stairs lead up to the upper floors, while from the courtyard of the University Palace, via a symmetrical double staircase, you can reach a panoramic terrace with a view of the bastion. The Aula Magna and the Rector's Office stand out, as well as the '18th-century hall', embellished with a double row of shelves, lacquered in ivory with gilded friezes, and a bust depicting the historian Giuseppe Manno. Not to be outdone are the 'Sardinian room', containing texts focusing on the Island in many respects, the 'bibliography room' and the 'audiovisual mezzanine', housing microfilmed and digitised works.

The former Tridentine Seminary building has belonged to the university since the mid-20th century. On the ground floor you will admire the Chapel: it houses the oldest and most valuable part of the library's holdings, i.e. manuscripts, incunambula and editions from the 16th century. You will also observe a valuable polychrome marble altar and the tempera decorations of the vault. Also on the same floor are the rooms housing the 'Piloni collection', with old paintings, works by the most illustrious 20th century Sardinian painters, maps, traditional objects and jewellery.

The library is only one of the stops on a fascinating tour of 'preserved' medieval Cagliari in Castello: a short distance away you will find the Torre dell'Elefante (Elephant Tower), while continuing north-east you will reach the cathedral of Santa Maria, next to the Palazzo Regio (Royal Palace) and the ancient Palazzo di Città (City Palace), a little further north, Piazza Indipendenza, where the Tower of San Pancrazio stands. Finally, a few more steps and you come to Piazza Arsenale, where the Cittadella dei Musei stands.