The City of Alghero
Its history dates back to the 11th century, when the powerful Genoese Doria family founded the first nucleus of the old town. In the following centuries, Alghero was contested by various powers: in 1283 the Pisans unsuccessfully attempted to conquer it, while in 1353 the Catalans, led by Peter IV of Aragon, succeeded in capturing it, marking the beginning of a strong and lasting Catalan influence. Even when political power shifted, passing through different dominations – including the Spanish and, from 1720, the House of Savoy – the Catalan cultural heritage remained deeply rooted.
Even today, part of the population speaks Algherese, a historical variant of Catalan recognized as a minority language, and while walking through the city you can notice bilingual signs and place names in Italian and Catalan.
The charm of Alghero is best expressed in its enchanting historic center, a maze of cobbled alleys, small squares, sea-facing bastions and medieval towers overlooking spectacular sunsets.
Here you can experience a unique Mediterranean atmosphere, made of culture, traditions and breathtaking views over the sea.
Alghero is also the heart of the famous “Coral Riviera”, so called for the presence of precious red coral in its seabed, found along the coastline stretching to the Capo Caccia promontory. This natural resource has given rise to a long-standing artisanal tradition: in the historic center you can find numerous workshops and jewelry stores where skilled craftsmen shape coral into refined pieces.
Visiting these workshops and discovering the stages of the process during the so-called “coral tour” is one of the most authentic and fascinating experiences for those visiting Alghero and its surroundings.
