The lighthouse Capo Sant'Elia is on an old Italian Navy post. It
has been built on the Monte S. Elia, in Cagliari.
The cache lies in a rocky niche near this historic and
picturesque spot. A city probably founded in the 9th century by the
Phoenicians, Cagliari grew considerably from the 7th century
onwards, with the presence of the Carthaginians who turned it into
a busy and important trading base. It passed to the Romans in 248
BC. and two centuries later became a municipium. After the fall of
the Western Empire, the city was dominated by the Vandals before
being taken by Byzantium in 534. With the passing of the centuries,
Byzantine rule became a mere formality, especially during the 8th
and 9th centuries, when Saracen influence was particularly strong
and the city frequently sacked and devastated. Autonomous and
capital of the Cagliari Giudicato till 1258 when conquered by the
Pisans who built massive fortifications, it passed to Aragon
(Spain) in 1326, and then to Austria in 1708, before becoming a
possession of the House of Savoy, and part of the Kingdom of
Sardinia in 1720. After incorporation into Italy, the walls and
other fortifications were destroyed, giving rise to urban
development, particularly extensive after the last World War.
Finally in 2004, a Geocache was placed on Capo Sant Elia near
this historic city, an event that Phoenecians nor anyone who came
before had any idea was going to happen.So while perched on this
rocky outcrop looking over the Med, give a thought to the centuries
of history around you and enjoy being part of the continiuty of
experience for this little beauty spot.Cache is in an orange
cylinder and contains various cool trinkets! Good luck!
Note on cache maintenance: I make it by here
about twice a year to do business and will be able to check this
cache.