Castelsardo

In the north of Sardinia, in the middle of the Asinara Gulf, overlooks one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, Castelsardo. The choice of venue is due to its fortunate position, full of small coves, landings natural that served as harbors for trade with the Mediterranean. Dorias founded the fortress in 1102 with the name of Castel Genovese. In 1448, after a siege of more than ten years, will be conquered by the Aragonese changing its name to Castel Aragonese. Became a bishopric in 1502 and was built the Co-Cathedral of St. Anthony Abbot, in the old town center and overlooking the sea, with a bell made from an ancient tower, originally a lighthouse, covered with a tiled dome. Only in 1769 will take the current name of Castelsardo, by Carlo Emanuele III, thanks to the Treaty of London the town passed to Savoy family.

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THINGS TO SEE

Of great archaeological interest is the Roccia dell'Elefante (Elephant Rock), an enormous trachytic rock not far from Castelsardo. As a result of the erosive process, the rock has taken on the appearance of a pachyderm and two Domus de Janas from the Neolithic period, adorned with taurine protomes, have been excavated inside it. Near the hamlet of Pedra Sciolta is the Domus de Janas of Scala Coperta.

Numerous nuraghi appear to be arranged along a tongue following the coast, in the vicinity of possible landings, as a function of direct control. The most significant is the nuraghe Paddaggiu, with the tower preserving the tholos of the inner chamber intact.

In addition to the Cathedral, in the old town center, we find the Bishop's Palace, residence of the bishop, and inside, the library with ancient editions; the medieval church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, very particular with the entrance on the right side and no facade, with a chapel that houses the Black Christ, considered miraculous against disasters; Torre di Frigiano, thirteen meters high, defensive outpost of the harbor, built by the Spanish in the mid-sixteenth century against the Saracens incursions.

At the top of the promontory overlooking the inlet, you will find the Castle built by the Dorias in the 12th century.

The structure and walls are well preserved. You can walk along the ancient medieval sentinel path, from the terraces you can enjoy an enchanting panorama and, in the upper part of the castle, we have a view that goes from Asinara to Corsica, from S. Teresa to Mount Limbara, from Gallura to Porto Torres. The prisons have been used as exhibition rooms and the interior of the fortress houses the Museo dell'Intreccio Mediterraneo (Museum of Mediterranean Interweaving), dedicated to the Sardinian tradition with a display of the best of local craftsmanship, which is mainly based on coral work.

Many rock cliffs trachitica overlooking the sea, but there are beautiful coves such as Cala Ostina and Punta Tramontana. Beaches like la Marina and Lu Bagnu, that is placed under the rocky walls, with thin sand and small flat rocks. There is the possibility of conducting guided dives and snorkeling thanks to the diving center, rent rafts and services for charter boat trips.

The most important event is the ancient Lunissanti procession, which takes place on the Monday after Palm Sunday. An event of international stature, it catapults us back to the Middle Ages as we walk through the streets of the historic centre in the dark, illuminated only by the torches hung on the walls of the houses and those carried by the brethren of the Confraternity of Santa Croce who guard the Mysteries, the instruments of the Passion of Christ. Three choirs follow the procession and are the subject of study by musicologists.

On August 15, we celebrate the Procession of Our Lady of the Sea fishermen.

During Holy Week, the significant "Easter Monday in Music", with the participation of artists, jazz and pop, and the New Year in the square, which has become one of the most important events of the year-end in the island, thus offering to the tourist, who is staying in renowned hotels or elegant B&B, an additional entertainment.

High quality cuisine, thanks to farmhouses, restaurants, and local retailers will delight your palate with typical dishes of meat and fish, especially lobsters, sea urchins, seafood and Cassola di Castelsardo.