Alghero

Also known as 'Barceloneta', little Barcelona, it is the capital of the Coral Riviera and preserves the language and traditions of Catalonia. The etymology of the name is assumed to be due to the word Aleguerium (seaweed), due to the leaves of the marine plant Posidonia oceanica, erroneously called seaweed, which, during the seasonal change of seasons, are deposited on the Alghero coastline after sea storms. In its waters, the precious red coral is present in great abundance and is of such economic importance that a branch of it is included in the city's coat of arms.

Founded by the Genoese Doria family in the 12th century (1102) in the north-western part of Sardinia, for two centuries, thanks to its strategic position, it was part of the maritime republics.

In the mid-13th century, Alghero was occupied by the Aragonese following their victory in the naval battle of Porto Conte, in which the Genoese were defeated by Bernardo Cabrera's fleet allied, for the occasion, with the Venetians. There were later other attempts to take over the city by the Genoese themselves and by Arborean troops, but these were promptly repulsed by the Aragonese.

In 1501, Alghero acquired the title of Royal City, thanks to King Ferdinand the Catholic. The Kingdom of Sardinia then passed into the hands of the Savoys in 1720, but Alghero did not lose its Catalan identity, so much so that, in 1850, a catechism in Catalan was printed for the use of the Algherese. Even today, 20 per cent of the inhabitants speak a kind of archaic Catalan, and although it is not an official language, the Catalan of Alghero has been recognised by the Italian Republic and the Autonomous Region of Sardinia as a minority language and as such is subject to protection.

In 1501, Alghero acquired the title of Royal City, thanks to King Ferdinand the Catholic. The Kingdom of Sardinia then passed into the hands of the Savoys in 1720, but Alghero did not lose its Catalan identity, so much so that, in 1850, a catechism in Catalan was printed for the use of the Algherese. Even today, 20 per cent of the inhabitants speak a kind of archaic Catalan, and although it is not an official language, the Catalan of Alghero has been recognised by the Italian Republic and the Autonomous Region of Sardinia as a minority language and as such is subject to protection.

Located on the mountain of the same name, the necropolis of Santu Pedru consists of ten tombs dug into the trachyte rock, many of which are ruined, the most important being tomb number I, called the 'tomb of the tetrapod vases' due to the discovery of two vases with four feet; tomb number IV is also worth mentioning, as it was converted into a church in the early Middle Ages and in the main chamber there are two altars dedicated to St. Peter and St. Lucy.

When you stroll along the streets of Alghero's historical centre, you will have the opportunity to visit several architecturally important churches, such as the 16th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria, the church of San Francesco, flanked by the convent, and the church of San Michele, dedicated to the patron saint, with its dome covered externally in polychrome tiles, which has become one of the symbols of the city. You will then come across buildings that belonged to nobles or aristocratic families from various eras: Gothic, such as the Palazzo de Ferrera or the Machin; of Savoy Baroque style is the Palazzo Serra and from the Neoclassical period, the Teatro Civico. Among these buildings, there are a number of valuable ones, more than twenty, that testify to the important strategic role the city played in the Catalan political scene.

Alghero has retained about 70 per cent of its walls with their seven towers and three forts. The recently restored bastions, dating back to the Catalan-Aragonese period, surround the old town until they join the Lungomare Dante, built in the 1950s, which together offer a promenade along the sea.

Absolutely not to be missed are the Archaeological Museum (MUSA), the Mare Nostrum Aquarium Nature Museum, the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, and the Coral Museum (MACOR). Not to be outdone is the Sella e Mosca Ethnographic Museum, inside the wine estate of the same name, which, by the way, is a stone's throw from the Anghelu Ruju Necropolis.

Fertilia airport is 6 km from the centre of Alghero and can be easily reached thanks to the public transport of the ARST company (line 9373 'AL.FA') and the various private transfer, car rental or bus rental services.

A site of primary naturalistic interest, not to be overlooked, is the Marine Protected Area of Capo Caccia Isola Piana, with a spectacular sea cave, the Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune's Cave), accessible by sea thanks to the Linea Grotte (Cave Line) service, departing from the marina or by land along the 'Escala del Cabirol' (roe deer staircase), consisting of 660 steps and 'carved' into the ridge of the promontory.

Not far from the hamlet of Tramariglio, it is possible to go trekking in the protected area Noah's Ark, a vast area that includes Monte Timidone and Punta Cristallo, where it is possible to admire the flight of griffon vultures and the splendid Cala d'Inferno, and where the sheltered sea allows snorkelling. Other recommended spots are Cala Dragunara, Punta Giglio, the two caves on the island of Foradada and Porto Conte, the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean.

The Alghero coastline stretches for more than 80 kilometres, with more than 30 beaches, including: the two towns of Lido and Maria Pia, Lazzaretto, Mugoni, Le Bombarde, where there is a bathing establishment and a sailing centre; San Giovanni, which is opposite the tourist quarters, Cala Burantinu and the Porto Ferro beach, popular for surfing and windsurfing.

If you are in Alghero for Easter, the most important religious event of Spanish origin takes place during Holy Week.

In summer, on the other hand, there are several cultural events, including the Corallo City of Alghero Grand Prix evening in July, with the awarding of prizes to sportsmen, journalists, dramas with a sporting theme and films, while in the first week of August, you will experience the evocative sea procession in honour of Nostra Signora della Mercede.

For sports enthusiasts, there are many events, such as the Alghero-Scala Piccada car race, the Rally Championship, sailing regattas, swimming marathons and free climbing on the Capo Caccia promontory.

There is no shortage of festivals, the most famous of which is that of the Bogamarí (sea urchin), between February and April, when it is most tasty and meaty.

Throughout the month of December, and until the beginning of January, the Cap d'Any de l'Alguer (New Year's Eve in Alghero) takes place, known throughout Sardinia for its numerous shows and concerts.

Handicrafts in Alghero are mainly related to the creation of red coral jewellery, but also to basketry and typical Sardinian handicrafts.

There are numerous exquisite restaurants and agritourisms where you can savour local flavours. The cuisine is mainly based on fish and shellfish. Famous are the lobster all'algherese or better known alla Catalana, the coppazza, spaghetti with sea urchins and spaghetti alla bottarga, baked salted monzette (land snails of the Helicidae family) and the paella algherese; among the desserts the crema bruciata and the menjar blanc.