Cathedral of Santa Maria and Chiostro of San Francesco
The Cathedral of Santa Maria is sited in the heart of the historical centre of Alghero, and is very much one of the symbols of the city. It was built in the 16th century in the Catalan Gothic style, but over subsequent years it was remodelled as a result of various historical events and artistic influences. The cathedral and its bell tower can be visited every day except Wednesdays and Sundays.
This admirable Franciscan building is situated in the heart of the historical centre of Alghero, on Via Carlo Alberto. The church is flanked by an ancient convent. The architecture is, for the most part, in the typical Catalan Gothic style (with the exception of the smooth facade, which is simpler and older than the more highly decorated interiors – the facade in fact dates from around the early 14th century). The atmosphere that you can sense inside the church and as you walk along the colonnade next to the garden is that of the 15th century.
Time stands still here, as often occurs in such sacred places, allowing us to contemplate the fascination of our history. It is very much a must-visit location for all those who want to wonder at what we are now through the prism of a number of fragments of what we have been in the past.
