The building was planned in the 1920s with other university buildings as part of the vast program of public building interventions covering the entire island, overseen by the Provveditorato alle Opere Pubbliche della Sardegna. Designed in 1926 by engineer Angelo Binaghi in collaboration with another professional, Flavio Scano, it was built in successive lots. Scano is probably responsible for the monumental appearance of the building, which is characterized by neo-Mannerist taste, which can be seen especially in the motifs of the exterior architectural decoration. The building stands on an irregular octagonal plan, conditioned by the steep slope of the area, and has different lengths depending on the sides. On the short lower one opens the imposing entrance hall preceded by a flight of steps. The exterior wall is ashlar (to continue smooth throughout the building’s perimeter) and features, leaning against it, mighty twin half-columns framing the triple access opening. Arranged on three levels, the palace has projections and recesses in the building bodies, united by the decorations and regularity of the openings, but is nevertheless homogeneous thanks to the continuous rhythm of the windows interspersed with projecting pilasters. It is completed with decorations of clipeate images, shields and blazons, including the coat of arms of the University of Cagliari placed above the central entrance. Inside, the beautiful central staircase leads to the various floors through corridors that run along the courtyards, which are partially occupied by buildings added for educational needs: classrooms, laboratories and offices open there, where the original wooden window frames and shutters are still preserved. Noteworthy are the amphitheater-like lecture halls that bear Latin inscriptions on the front door praising science and culture. The building housed the university science departments, which were partly transferred to the Monserrato citadel, and still has interesting period instruments.
