Castelsardo
The village foundation
Tradition has it that the village
of Castelsardo was founded by the Doria family in
around 1100, changing its name in accordance with
those occupying it at the time: from "Castelgenovese"
under the Doria family rule, it became "Castellaragonese"
following the 1449 Spanish occupation.
It was, in fact, only in 1767 that Carlo Emanuele di Savoia gave it the place name we recognise today.
This small town (5,200 inhabitants) clinging to a promontory spread out towards the gulf of Asinara, is a member of the prestigious association of the most beautiful villages of Italy, and with good reason: the view of the fortified centre that looks over the sea with its castle, truly is wonderfully spectacular.
Few towns have proven themselves as able as Castelsardo has, of valuing their historic and cultural heritage, in terms of dynamicity, and enjoyment by visitors.
|
Amongst
the various important projects, we would mention
the itinerary of the seven royal towns of Sardinia,
which also involved a further six important island
centres (Alghero, Bosa, Cagliari, Iglesias, Oristano
and Sassari).
Artistic and architectonic heritage
Episcopal headquarters from 1503 to 1839,
Castelsardo offers visitors a breathtaking route
through the network of streets and paths of the
village, laid out on the promontory, and which culminates
with the dominating presence of the castle.
The "museo dell'Intreccio Mediterraneo"
(Mediterranean Basket Weaving Museum) within the
manor house, and the diocesan museum located within
the cathedral, that is also the headquarters of
the ancient Ampurias Dioceses of St. Antonio
Abate, are well worth visiting.
Built between 1586 and 1607 on top of the previous
Romanesque building, the church is beautifully set
within the mediaeval centre, lying on the steep
slope of the promontory, facing the gulf of Asinara.
 Continue
|
|
