Cagliari's main street runs along the sea-front, opposite the harbour. After the demolition of the old walls which protected the Marina quarter from raids by enemy fleets, via Roma gradually became an elegant promenade with cafés, shops and a high-end department store, under the arcades. At one end, the street features the contemporary building of the Regional Parliament, while at the other end, opposite the train and bus stations, is the Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale). The building was inaugurated in 1907 and severely damaged during the WWII. It is inspired by Catalan-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. It follows the patterns of the arcades along via Roma and the limestone façade has seven arches and two central 38m high octagonal turrets. On the front gate, a bronze eagle holds the coat of arms of Cagliari. A walk along via Roma is a must if you want to get a general idea of what Cagliari can be as a whole. It's not unusual to see old men in suits discussing the latest political scandal, teenagers strolling along and holding hands, sailors and dock workers sitting next to regional government functionaries, or even the mayor walking by on his way to his office.