The city of Alghero

Alghero, located in the north-west of the Italian island of Sardinia, is a charming city rich in history and culture. The city's historical centre is renowned for its plethora of Catalan/Aragonese architecture. Alghero is situated on a small peninsula and protected by ancient city walls that were built around 1300 to protect it from attack by sea.

The area The stunning landscapes of the Alghero area are covered by the Mediterranean maquis that is so typical of Sardinia. There are several nature reserves: the Porto Conte Park, which plays host to an extensive marine protected area, the Punta Giglio Park and the Prigionette Reserve. The sea off the coast of Alghero displays myriad shades of blue - all the way from turquoise to cobalt - and is blessed with white, sandy beaches and rocky gorges. The famed Grotte di Nettuno (Neptune's Caves) can be accessed either by sea, on the boats that shuttle back and forth to and from the Port of Alghero, or on land, via the delightful steps of the Scalinata del Cabirol, which leads down from the Capo Caccia promontory to the caves, 110 metres below. The historical centre The historical centre of the city is protected by imposing bastions towering over the water's edge, which - as night falls - become the perfect place for a pleasant stroll. The port, which faces the town, is characterised by ancient walls that feature a memorial stone commemorating the landing of the hero of Italian unification, Giuseppe Garibaldi, on the 14th of August 1855. The Cathedral of Alghero is dedicated to Saint Mary. Built in the 14th century, its current facade dates from the mid-16th century - the architectural style is late-Gothic, Catalan in inspiration - and the sanctuary is surmounted by an octagonal bell tower from the same period. The Church of San Francesco is the most significant Catalan monument anywhere in Sardinia. Constructed in the 14th century and then partially reconstructed following a collapse in the early 17th century, the church is today a combination of architectural styles, as evinced by its contrasting Gothic bell tower. In summer, the cloister plays host to a range of concerts and cultural events. Other churches of interest are the 17th-century Chiesa del Carmine, the Chiesa del Rosario - an ancient Romanesque construction that currently houses the Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra (Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art) - and the Chiesa di San Michele and the Chiesa della Misericordia, which also date from the 17th century.

The Aragones palazzos The ancient Aragonese palazzos such as the Casa de Ferrera, the Casa Doria and the Palazzo Peretti, with their Catalan Gothic style, are also of great interest. The Palazzo Civico, constructed around the first half of the 19th century, is endowed with elegant, Neoclassical forms, which are reflected in the beautiful Neoclassical facade of the Palazzo Lavagna, built in 1873, whereas Villa Sant'Elia, constructed outside the inhabited area between the 19th and 20th centuries, takes the form of a Medieval castle. The Neoclassical Teatro Civico dates from the late 19th century. The archaeological sites Alghero also offers a wealth of archaeological sites, including the Nuragic complex at Palmavera, which is constituted by a central body and two towers, a seawall and a village of shelters built in various stages. Also of archaeological interest are the Sant'Imbenia Complex, constituted by a tower and a village, the Anghelu Ruju Necropolis, dating from the end of the Neolithic period and, last but not least, the Santu Pedru Necropolis, which is constituted by a dozen of Domus de janas (burial chambers).