About this experience
Being dominated by Genoese and Aragonese at different times, Alghero acquired a unique look, combining Italian and Spanish influences. The Catalan Gothic architecture and interesting historical facts will immerse you in the medieval times when Sardinia's coasts were besieged by pirates. You will visit the palaces of local nobility, stroll through the maze of sunny streets, and everywhere the bright color of corals, which gave Alghero one of its nicknames, will shimmer around the workshops and small shops.
What to expect
The Catalan spirit of Alghero
You will get acquainted with the dual nature of the city: its Italian present and Spanish past. I will tell you how Alghero was founded by the Genoese Doria family, and later passed into the hands of the Aragonese. You will see traces of Spanish dominance on its streets and understand why the city is called "little Barcelona". You will also experience Spanish Gothic and thick fortress walls protecting the old abode from pirates in the Middle Ages.
Beauty in coral color
Alghero still lives up to its reputation as the city of corals - their products are sold in small shops and workshops in the historic center, and their specific bright color adds colors to the already colorful city. You will wander through the labyrinth of old streets and suddenly find yourself in bustling squares, pay attention to the color of the walls of houses and the decorations of individual buildings - for example, the baroque Serra palace and the mansion of the Duke of Alba. Visit the house-museum of Giuseppe Manno and the unique Neoclassical wooden city theater, unique for Sardinia in terms of architecture. And also take a look at the local churches - at the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Carmelite church with a huge gilded altarpiece, and the Church of Saint Michael with a colorful dome lined with majolica.
And after a walk through the historic center of Alghero, if the weather allows, you can also visit the Neptune's Grotto by descending the steps (658 steps) cut into the Capo Caccia cliff, or sail there by boat.
Organizational details
Visiting the Neptune's Grotto is subject to an additional fee, as it goes beyond the excursion's time frame and may not always be possible.
