Location: Alghero
Top Things to do in Alghero
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Things to do in Alghero, Sardinia: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
A rare year-round resort on the Island of Winds, Alghero makes an atmospheric destination. Occupying armies have all left their marks on the old, walled city; Italian kingdoms, Carthaginians, Phoenicians, Byzantines, Arabs and Catalans have all come and gone. Offering an irresistible combination of history, architecture, culture, stylish shopping, fine food and wine, and water sports, Alghero's cobblestone streets can be explored on foot or by bus. Don't miss spectacular sea cave, Neptune's Grotto.
Restaurants in Alghero
1. Chiesa di San Francesco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
Reviewed By Homfirth - Holmfirth, United Kingdom
Like many old churches in ancient towns it is plain on the outside and inside the architecture is very striking and here there is an unusual ornate marble altar. The stone walls and archways have a lofty simplicity which creates a tranquil ambience that befits its history. The church complex includes a convent and cloister that was originally built in the 1300’s and was restored in the 14th century. The church unfortunately collapsed in 1593 and was rebuilt in 1598. It has a beautiful vault in the presbytery with magnificent Baroque altars which are similar to those in Saint Anthony of Padua. The two-tiered cloister is the oldest part of the complex and is located in the heart of the main shopping district on Via Carlo Alberto which makes an ideal venue for the concerts which are held here in the summer months. The cloister leads to a small chapel at the base of the tower where there are some beautiful murals inside the portico. There are many really beautiful paintings and statues, especially the wooden statue of Christ at the Column which is particularly moving. A striking stained glass window over a stone well is brightly coloured and looks to be of a modern design, also look out for the huge bell just inside the door. I think this is one of the more atmospheric churches in Sardinia.
2. Santuario di Nostra Signora di Valverde
3. Parrocchia del Sacro Cuore e San Marco
4. Chiesa Santa Barbara
5. Cattedrale di Santa Maria
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 344 reviews
Reviewed By Homfirth - Holmfirth, United Kingdom
The Cathedral is right in the centre of the town and we must have walked passed it and not realised as it has huge modern looking columns and does not look anything like you would expect an old cathedral to be. The original Gothic doorway round the other side of the church is much more atmospheric and more recognisable as an ancient cathedral. Inside there is a large marble staircase with lions on either side leading up to a magnificent silver altar. The cathedral in Cagliari also has a similar pair of lions. The presbytery has five chapels which include the base of the bell tower and is surrounded by a balustrade of inlaid coral coloured marble. There are some interestingly beautiful paintings and statues. The coloured marble pulpit, perched on an ornate pedestal and the staircase are very unusual. There are also the tombs of two brothers, the Duke of Montferrat and the Count of Asti who died from Malaria. Many changes have taken place over the years so there is a mixture of architectural styles, from Catalan Gothic, Renaissance, and the Neo Classical Narthex which was added to the façade has dramatically changed the appearance.
6. Chiesa di San Michele
7. Chiesa della Misericordia
8. Chiesa di Nostra Signora del Carmelo
9. Ex Chiesa del Rosario
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