Capoterra (Italian: [kapoˈtɛrra]: Sardinian: Cabuderra [kaβuˈðɛra]; from Latin Caput Terrae, "head of the Earth") is a town and comune (municipality) in the Metropolitan City of Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy.

Extending at the foot of Mount Arcosu and bathed by the Cagliari pond - known as Santa Gilla - Capoterra is a centre of about 23,000 inhabitants on the south-western outskirts of the capital of Sardinia.

From history to astrophysics: in the hills near the hamlet of Poggio dei Pini stands the astronomical observatory frequented by international teams of scientists.

Until the mid-seventeenth century when Baron Girolamo Torrelas decided to repopulate it, granting families from other parts of Sardinia plots of land and 'good conditions' to escape pendencies with the minor justice system.

Identity and legend materialise in the Romanesque church of santa Barbara de Montes, erected on the eastern slopes of the Capoterra mountains.