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Historic neighborhood · Alghero, Sardenha
Centro storico di Alghero
Old town surrounded by walls and Catalan–Aragonese towers overlooking the sea, with stone streets, signs in Italian and Catalan and a promenade along the bastions.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Centro storico di Alghero
The centro storico (historic centre) of Alghero is one of the few in Italy that retains much of its walls: about 70% of the circuit survives, with towers and forts. The fortifications date from the Catalan–Aragonese period, when the city was repopulated by Catalans starting in 1354.
On the sea side, the bastions form an elevated promenade named after navigators: Bastioni Cristoforo Colombo, Magellano, Pigafetta and Marco Polo. On the land side are the Torre di Porta Terra, the old main entrance, and the Torre di Sulis, in the square of the same name, where the centre meets the Lungomare.
Inside the walls, narrow streets lead to the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, to the church of San Francesco with its cloister, and to small squares. Street signs appear in Italian and in Catalan, a language still spoken in Alghero.
The tradition of red coral, fished in the waters of Capo Caccia, gave the coast the name Riviera del Corallo, and many shops in the centre work with it.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours to walk through the centre and the bastions.
Best time
In the morning for the churches and in the late afternoon for the bastions, with the light on the sea and Capo Caccia in the background.
How to get there
On foot from the harbour or the Lungomare. The Torre di Porta Terra, in Piazza Porta Terra, is the best-known entrance. The centre has a ZTL: leave the car outside.
Tip
If you plan to buy coral, choose shops that state the origin of the piece. Keep an eye on your belongings in the alleys crowded in summer.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro storico di Alghero
Why is Alghero called 'little Barcelona'?
Because of the Catalan heritage: the city was repopulated by Catalans in the 14th century, and the dialect, architecture and street names recall Catalonia.
Can you walk along the walls?
Yes. The bastions facing the sea form an open public promenade.
What is the Riviera del Corallo?
The name of Alghero's coast, because of the red coral fished in the region's waters and worked in the city for centuries.