Sassari

SASSARI: A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY, CULTURE AND TIMELESS BEAUTY

Located in north-western Sardinia, Sassari is one of the island’s most important cities in terms of history, culture and art. The origin of its name remains uncertain: early documented references mention Thàthari and Sàssari, likely linked to the stony nature of the terrain rather than exotic or oriental roots, as some less credible theories have suggested. The current name became standardised around the 15th century.

✅ Origins and Development of the City

Sassari is believed to have developed from the merging of several medieval villages scattered across the territory, especially in the Bunnari area, known for its abundant springs. The Judges of Torres, drawn by its strategic location and natural resources, began residing there and fortifying it, commissioning the construction of a castle — Castrum Sassaris — already cited in documents dating back to 1118.

The first confirmed mention of Sassari appears in the Condaghe of San Pietro di Silki (1131), referring to a certain Jordi de Sassaro. From the 12th century onwards, the Judges of Logudoro frequented it regularly, laying the foundations for its continuous growth.

Over the following centuries, Sassari became a point of contention among Pisa, Genoa and the Sardinian Judicates. After Genoa's victory at the Battle of Meloria (1284), the city allied with the Genoese, who established control through a podestà and created a Major Council composed of one hundred citizens.

✅ Between the Aragonese and Rebellions

In 1323, Sassari became embroiled in the wars against the Aragonese invasion. After a brief phase of autonomy and shifting alliances, it rebelled against Spanish rule in 1325, but the revolt was harshly suppressed. The definitive passage under the Crown of Aragon occurred in 1420. Despite this, Sassari continued to play a significant role in Sardinia's political and administrative life.

✅ Urban Growth Beyond the Walls

In 1836, expansion beyond the medieval walls was officially authorised. This marked the beginning of a new phase of urban development towards the south, which would eventually shape modern-day Sassari.

✔️ What to See and Do in Sassari

✅ Monte d’Accoddi

Along the SS 131 “Carlo Felice” road towards Porto Torres, at kilometre 222.3, lies the archaeological site of Monte d’Accoddi — one of Sardinia’s most mysterious prehistoric locations. This megalithic altar is unique in the Mediterranean and bears striking resemblance to Mesopotamian ziggurats.

Originally built by the Ozieri culture (late 4th millennium BC), it was modified between 2700 and 2000 BC during the Abealzu-Filigosa cultural phase. The structure is about 75 metres long (including the ramp) and 5.5 metres high. Remnants of huts, hearths, votive offerings, sacred stones and menhirs highlight the site's cultic significance.

✅ Other Nearby Archaeological Sites

• The necropolises of Su Crucifissu Mannu, Ponte Secco and Li Lioni

• The Domus de Janas of Sant’Ambrogio, Su Jaiu, Spina Santa and Marinaru

• The dolmens and menhirs of Frades Muros

✅ The Historic Centre: The Noble Heart of the City

Sassari’s old town is an elegant maze of 18th-century palaces, Baroque churches and monumental squares.

• Piazza d’Italia, one of Italy’s largest squares, is framed by historical buildings such as the Palazzo della Provincia and Palazzo Giordano.

• St Nicholas' Cathedral (1725), with its Baroque façade, houses statues of the Turritan Saints (Gianuario, Proto and Gavino) and Gothic-Catalan elements.

• Church of Sant’Andrea, seat of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament

• Church of Santa Caterina, a fine example of religious architecture.

Notable civic architecture includes:

• The Catalan Gothic houses along Corso Vittorio Emanuele

• Palazzo d’Usini (piazza Tola), home to the Municipal Library

• La Frumentaria, once a granary

• Palazzo Ducale, the municipal seat.

• Civic Theatre and Palazzo Cugurra.

✅ The Rosello Fountain: A City Symbol

Located at the foot of the district bearing its name, the Rosello Fountain was built between the 16th and 17th centuries. It supplied water via an aqueduct to Porto Torres. Water flows from eight mascarons and statues representing the four seasons. Today it lies beneath the Fascist-era bridge and serves as an ideal starting point for visiting the historic centre.

✅ The Aragonese Castle

Built in 1330 by Alfonso IV of Aragon, the castle served to consolidate Spanish control over the city and had a strictly military function. It was demolished in 1836 for urban planning reasons, and its stones were repurposed in other buildings. Remains of the castle are visible today in the underground level of the Palazzo della Provincia and in Piazza Castello. These foundations were uncovered during urban redevelopment works between 2008 and 2011.
Today, very little remains of the original castle: during urban renovation works in 2008-2011, the remains of the foundations were discovered, which can be seen in the basement of the Palazzo della Provincia and partly in Piazza Castello.

✅ Piazza Fiume

Originally named Piazza Ospedale (1899), it was renamed in 1918 to commemorate Italy’s victory in the First World War. The square is home to the former Civil Hospital, now the University Library with a collection of over 300,000 volumes. Beneath it lies Sassari’s largest underground car park.

✅ Museums and Cultural Attractions

• “G.A. Sanna” National Archaeological Museum – a must-visit to explore Sardinia’s prehistory

• Diocesan Museum and Masedu – Museum of Contemporary Art

• MUS’A – Sassari Art Museum and the Museum of the Twentieth Century, which house collections by Sironi, Biasi and other 20th-century Sardinian artists.

✅ Crafts and Flavours

The historic centre is home to artisan workshops and boutique studios offering jewellery, textiles and decorative items created using traditional or contemporary techniques. You’ll also find historic food shops featuring the region’s gastronomic delights.

✅ Unmissable Events

• La Faradda di li Candareri (14 August) – The Heart of Festha Manna

  The Descent of the Candelieri is not just one of Sassari’s most spectacular folkloric events — it is first and foremost an ancient votive rite rooted in popular faith. Its origin dates back to a dramatic chapter in the city’s history: a devastating plague in the 16th century.

  During this time, Sassari’s citizens vowed to the Virgin of the Assumption that they would process through the streets with large votive candles — the so-called candelieri — on the eve of her feast day, 14 August, if she freed them from the scourge. Since then, the city has honoured this sacred promise every year without interruption, even during its darkest hours.

  Today, the candelieri are grand wooden candle-shaped structures, about four metres tall and weighing over 300 kilograms. Initially they are “naked” – bare wooden frames – and are dressed in the days leading up to 14 August.

  The most moving moment is the fulfilment of the vow, which takes place before midnight at the historic Church of Santa Maria di Betlem, where the candelieri, carried by the gremi (ancient craft guilds), are made to “dance” before the Virgin’s altar — a gesture full of spirituality and symbolic power. This is more than folklore: it is a collective act of faith that unites the city with the beating of drums, incense in the air and emotions that transcend centuries.

  Since 2013, the Faradda has been recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

• The Cavalcata Sarda (Penultimate Sunday of May) – Sardinia’s Grand Festival of Identity

  The first recorded edition dates back to 1711 in honour of King Philip V of Spain. However, the Cavalcata Sarda as we know it began on 20 April 1899, during the visit of King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Savoy to Sassari for the unveiling of the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II in Piazza d’Italia. Today, the Cavalcata Sarda is the island’s largest parade in traditional costume. But it is not merely a folkloric display: it is a powerful ritual of identity, a heartfelt celebration of Sardinian culture, showcasing the pride and traditions of dozens of villages — each with its own colours, symbols and attire.

  It is not a historical re-enactment, but a living tribute to authentic Sardinia, held every penultimate Sunday of May. Over 3,000 participants, folk groups, horse riders and traccas (decorated wagons) parade in the morning. In the afternoon, the spotlight shifts to the equestrian spectacle: a breathtaking display of skill, acrobatics and reverence for tradition.

✅ Sassari’s Cuisine: Authentic Flavours and Traditions to Savour

The gastronomy of Sassari is a true journey through genuine flavours and recipes that tell the story and culture of the local area. Here, the dishes are often simple yet full of character, enhancing seasonal ingredients and traditional Sardinian products.

Among the main courses, cordula con piselli stands out — a dish made with lamb intestines and peas — along with tripe in tomato sauce, a much-loved classic. Snails (chiocciole), a local speciality, are often served in various sizes and recipes. The true symbol of Sassari’s traditional cuisine is zimino: a grilled mix of veal offal — diaphragm, intestine, heart and spleen — cooked over open flames for a strong, unmistakable flavour. There are also Genoese influences, such as fainé, a chickpea flour pancake similar to farinata, which has been fully adopted into the local culinary tradition.

Among the main courses, cordula con piselli stands out — a dish made with lamb intestines and peas — along with tripe in tomato sauce, a much-loved classic. Snails (chiocciole), a local speciality, are often served in various sizes and recipes.

The true symbol of Sassari’s traditional cuisine is zimino: a grilled mix of veal offal — diaphragm, intestine, heart and spleen — cooked over open flames for a strong, unmistakable flavour. There are also Genoese influences, such as fainé, a chickpea flour pancake similar to farinata, which has been fully adopted into the local culinary tradition.

✅ Traditional Sweets: A Delicious Journey Through Scents and Ancient Recipes

Sassari’s pastry tradition is a triumph of ancient, time-honoured desserts. Among the most beloved are papassini — soft biscuits enriched with raisins and spices — and tiricche, simple but unmistakably flavoured sweets.

Seadas, a symbol of Sardinian pastry, are perfect for those who enjoy the combination of honey’s sweetness with the delicate flavour of fried fresh cheese, creating an irresistible balance.

In Sassari and the surrounding areas, a real treat during Carnival are the frisgiori longhi or sas frigjolas — long, crispy fritters made with flour, water, sugar, anise and grated orange zest. They offer a perfect blend of fresh flavours and ancient traditions and are best enjoyed freshly fried.

✅ Where to Taste These Delicacies?

To fully enjoy Sassari’s culinary experience, it’s best to try these dishes in traditional agriturismi (farmhouse restaurants) or in the old town’s restaurants, where attention to quality ingredients and ties to the land can be tasted in every bite. There are also charming cafés and patisseries offering excellent local wines, artisanal liqueurs and regional craft beers to accompany any time of day.

✔️ Food and Wine Events

Sassari hosts a range of food and wine events celebrating its traditional cuisine throughout the year. Here are a few not-to-be-missed highlights:

✅ Weekend dei Gusti – December
The “Weekend dei Gusti” is an annual event held in December, usually between the 6th and the 15th. During this celebration, Sassari’s historic centre comes alive with four themed taste trails and 32 tasting points. Visitors can sample traditional dishes such as soups, snails, coratella (offal), tripe, broad beans, stuffed aubergines, and fainé, all paired with local beer and wine.

✅ A fora li brasgeri – October
“A fora li brasgeri” takes place in October, typically on the 12th, in Sassari’s old town. This food and wine journey rediscovering the city’s forgotten places features tastings of traditional dishes and guided tours of historic sites. The event is organised by the cultural association Eat & Buffas in collaboration with several local historical clubs.

 These events are a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culinary culture of Sassari and Sardinia.

✔️ IN CONCLUSION

Sassari is a city full of surprises: with its deep roots and modern character, it offers every visitor a unique journey through history, traditions, and timeless beauty. Whether you’re strolling through the old town or visiting archaeological sites, every corner tells a precious story of Sardinian identity.

✅ For more details

✔️ Bibliography

• Cossu, A. (2010). Sassari tra Medioevo e Rinascimento. Edizioni Della Torre.

• Usai, P. (2018). Le città di Sardegna: storia, arte, cultura. Carocci Editore.

• Lilliu, G. (1999). Sardegna Nuragica. Edizioni Carlo Delfino.

• Fois, M. (2014). Le feste religiose in Sardegna: tra devozione e folklore. Edizioni della Sardegna.

• Pinna, M. (2001). Artigianato e tradizione in Sardegna. Edizioni Il Maestrale.

• “La Faradda dei Candelieri: Storia, Fede, Tradizione” – Edizioni Carlo Delfino.

• “La Cavalcata Sarda. Un secolo di identità” – Ed. Delfino.

✔️ Websites

• Comune di Sassari – Sito ufficiale: www.comune.sassari.it

• Museo Archeologico Nazionale G. A. Sanna: museosanna.it

• Turismo Sardegna – Sassari: www.sardegnaturismo.it

• UNESCO – La Faradda di li Candareri: whc.unesco.org

• Sardegna Cultura – Storia e Archeologia: www.sardegnacultura.it

• Visit Sardinia – Tradizioni e Feste: www.visitsardinia.com

• Sito ufficiale della Faradda dei Candelieri: www.faraddadeicandelieri.it.

• Sito ufficiale della Cavalcata Sarda: www.cavalcatasarda.com.