Castelsardo

Castelsardo is a beautiful medieval small city found in 1102 by the Doria, a Genovese family (in facts, it was originally called Castelgenovese). It is one of the seven royal cities of Sardinia. It boasts a quite interesting historical centre that surrounds the Bellavista stronghold, dominating the entire inhabited centre. In the castle, on the stronghold, protected by very high walls, Eleonora d' Arborea ( Brancaleone Doria’s wife) lived for ten years before becoming Giudicessa.

Before the settlement of the Doria, the tower of Frigiano (the rests are still visible nowadays) was built to sight the Saracens, in order to prevent the port and the city from enemy attacks. Then, the Aragoneses took the power of Castelsardo and stayed there for a along time. In the steep narrow lanes, leading to the stronghold, appear the old buildings of architectonic interest. Here are often located handicraft activities (for example those concerning the realization of baskets and other items using swamp plants) and catering places, such as restaurants and pizzerie.

The Bell tower and the cathedral of Sant' Antonio Abate are not far from each other. In the cathedral is kept the picture "Madonna with the Child" by the anonymous painter known with the name of “Maestro di Castelsardo” ). Next to the cathedral there is the church of the Purgatorio. We suggest you to visit also the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which contain the beautiful wooden artwork “La Pietà”. It is worth visiting also the palace belonged to Nicolò Doria, and the communal Loggia, where the town hall is located. In crypt of the Cathedral is located the Sacred Art Museum, while the Museum of the Mediterranean “Intreccio” (interlacing) is in some of the Castle’s rooms. For Easter, this small city presents some of the most evocative rituals in Sardinia. The festivity of Sant' Antonio Abate in January is also interesting.

In the territory of Castelsardo there are several sites to visit, starting with the famous rock of the Elephant: it has the shape of a pachyderm with the proboscis suspended in the air; in one of its cavity, thousands of years ago, was made a “Domus de Janas” (fairy dwelling). Nearby, it is possible to visit the “Pedra Sciolta” Nuragic well. Along the road for Santa Teresa di Gallura, there is the Paddaggiu Nuraghe; and not far are also the Nuraghi: Tinteri, Li Colti and Eni.