Alghero(Italian:[alˈɡɛːro];Algherese:L'Alguer[lalˈɣe];Sardinian:S'Alighera[saliˈɣɛɾa];Sassarese:L'Aliera[laˈljɛːɾa]) is a city of about 45,000 inhabitants in the Italianprovince of Sassariin the north west of the island ofSardinia,next to theMediterranean Sea.The city's name comes fromAleguerium,which is a mediaevalLatinword meaning "stagnation of algae" (Posidonia oceanica).[3]
Alghero
| |
|---|---|
| Città di Alghero(in Italian) Ciutat de l'Alguer(in Catalan) | |
 16th-century Aragonese Crown city walls | |
 Flag  Coat of arms | |
Location of Alghero  | |
  Alghero Location of Alghero in Sardinia  Alghero Alghero (Sardinia) | |
| Coordinates:40°33′36″N08°18′54″E/ 40.56000°N 8.31500°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sardinia |
| Province | SS |
| Frazioni | Fertilia,Guardia Grande, I Piani, Loretella, Maristella, Sa Segada, Santa Maria La Palma, Tramariglio, Villassunta |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Mario Conoci (centre-right) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 224.43 km2(86.65 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 7 m (23 ft) |
| Population (2018-01-01)[2] | |
| • Total | 43,945 |
| • Density | 200/km2(510/sq mi) |
| Demonyms | Algheresi Algueresos |
| Time zone | UTC+1(CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2(CEST) |
| Postal code | 07041 |
| Dialing code | 079 |
| Patron saint | St. Michael |
| Saint day | 29 September |
| Website | Official website |
The population is noted for having retained the language of theCrown of Aragonrulers from the end of the Middle Ages, when Sardinia was part of theCrown of Aragon;hence,Algherese(the Catalan dialect spoken there) is officially recognized as aminority language.
Alghero is the third university center in the island, coming afterCagliariandSassari.It hosts the headquarters of theUniversità degli Studi di Sassari's Architecture and Design department.
History
editThis sectionneeds additional citations forverification.(April 2020) |
The area of today's Alghero has been settled since pre-historic times. TheOzieri culturewas present here in the 4th millennium BC (Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju), while theNuraghecivilization settled in the area around 1,500 BC.
ThePhoeniciansarrived by the 8th century BC and themetalworkingtown of Sant'Imbenia – in the area of later Alghero –, with a mixed Phoenician andNuragicpopulation, engaged in trade with theEtruscanson the Italian mainland.[4]
Due to its strategic position on theMediterranean Sea,Alghero had been developed into a fortified port town by 1102, built by theGenoeseDoriafamily. The Dorias ruled Alghero for centuries, apart from a brief period under the rule ofPisabetween 1283 and 1284. Alghero's population later grew because of the arrival ofCatalancolonists. In the early 16th century, Alghero received papal recognition as abishopricand the status of King's City (ciutat de l'Alguer) and developed economically.
Historically, the city was founded in the early twelfth century between 1102 and 1112, when the nobleDoria familyofGenoawas allowed to build the first historical nucleus into an empty section of the coast of theparishof Nulauro inJudicatureof Torres (Sassari). For two centuries it remained in the orbit of theMaritime Republics,first and foremost the Genoese, apart from 1283 to 1284 when thePisanswere able to control it for a year. It is plausible that at this time the town shared, given its commercial and multi-ethnic nature, a language similar to the nascentSassarese.
The village was conquered by force by theCrown of Aragon,at the behest ofKing Pere III of Aragon(r. 1336–1387), who later actively promoted colonisation of the town and the surrounding area, sending numerous families from different counties and provinces of the then Crown of Aragon, includingValencia,Majorca,CataloniaandAragon.These were granted enticing privileges and, in fact, replaced the original population, some of whom were sent to theIberian Peninsulaand Majorca as slaves.[5]The dialects these families spoke in Alghero were all very similar and derived from the same linguistic family. Over time, it settled on its current form of Catalan, despite the subsequent decline of the Crown of Aragon.
The Aragonese were followed by the SpanishHabsburgs,who ruled until 1702 and continued expanding the town.
In 1720, Alghero, along with the rest of Sardinia, was handed over to thePiedmont-basedHouse of Savoy,upon the arrival of which a policy ofItalianizationwas commenced. In 1821, a famine led to a revolt by the population, which was bloodily suppressed. At the end of the same century, Alghero was de-militarised.
During theFascistera, part of the surrounding marshes were reclaimed and the suburbs of Fertilia and S.M. La Palma were founded. DuringWorld War II(1943), Alghero was bombed, and its historical centre suffered heavy damage. The presence ofmalariain the countryside was finally overcome in the 1950s. Since then, Alghero has become a popular tourist destination.
Geography
editLocation
editAlghero is located on the northwestern coast of Sardinia, along the bay named after the city. In the north of the urban area, there is the Nurra plain; to the northwest, the karstic systems of Capo Caccia, Punta Giglio and Monte Doglia. The south is built mainly by mountains and the plateaus ofVillanova MonteleoneandBosa.
Climate
editThe climate at Alghero is mild due to the presence of the sea, which attenuates the temperatures especially during the summer. Summers are warm, like most parts of the Mediterranean. Winters are also mild, with the thermometers showing negative Celsius temperatures just a few days per year.
| Climate data forCapo Caccia(1991–2020) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 12.9 (55.2) |
12.9 (55.2) |
14.8 (58.6) |
17.1 (62.8) |
20.9 (69.6) |
24.8 (76.6) |
27.5 (81.5) |
28.1 (82.6) |
24.8 (76.6) |
21.8 (71.2) |
17.4 (63.3) |
14.1 (57.4) |
19.8 (67.6) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 11.0 (51.8) |
10.7 (51.3) |
12.3 (54.1) |
14.3 (57.7) |
17.8 (64.0) |
21.6 (70.9) |
24.3 (75.7) |
25.1 (77.2) |
22.0 (71.6) |
19.2 (66.6) |
15.2 (59.4) |
12.1 (53.8) |
17.1 (62.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 9.0 (48.2) |
8.4 (47.1) |
9.8 (49.6) |
11.6 (52.9) |
14.8 (58.6) |
18.5 (65.3) |
21.2 (70.2) |
22.0 (71.6) |
19.3 (66.7) |
16.6 (61.9) |
13.0 (55.4) |
10.1 (50.2) |
14.5 (58.1) |
| Averageprecipitationmm (inches) | 43.4 (1.71) |
38.7 (1.52) |
31.1 (1.22) |
36.2 (1.43) |
37.0 (1.46) |
16.5 (0.65) |
4.20 (0.17) |
7.70 (0.30) |
41.0 (1.61) |
61.8 (2.43) |
82.2 (3.24) |
57.7 (2.27) |
457.5 (18.01) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 1.0 mm) | 7.03 | 6.77 | 5.61 | 5.75 | 4.24 | 2.03 | 0.60 | 1.23 | 4.43 | 6.43 | 9.33 | 7.87 | 61.32 |
| Averagerelative humidity(%) | 80.45 | 78.12 | 77.43 | 77.22 | 75.51 | 73.97 | 72.18 | 71.28 | 74.50 | 76.33 | 77.55 | 79.11 | 76.14 |
| Source:NCEI[6] | |||||||||||||
Language and culture
edit
A variety ofCatalanisspoken in Alghero,introduced when Catalans settled in the town.[7]Catalan was replaced as the official language of the Island by Spanish in the 17th century, then by Italian. The most recent linguistic research showed that 24.1% of the people haveAlgherese Catalanas a mother tongue, which is habitually spoken by 18.5% and taught to the children by 8% of the population, whereas 88.2% have some understanding of the language.[8][9]Since 1997, Catalan has had official recognition and national and regional laws grant its right to be used in the city. Currently, there has been a revival of the arts in Algherese Catalan, with singers such asFranca Masuperforming original compositions in the language.[10]
Following arural exodusfrom the surrounding villages towards the city, much of the population speaks or has some proficiency inSardinian,in addition to Italian and Catalan. Historically, the spread of Catalan was limited to the city and part of the coast, as the surrounding countryside has always been populated by Sardinian-speaking people.
Moreover, the ancient part of Alghero shows many characteristics of Catalan medieval architecture. The 'algueresos' (Alghero inhabitants) usually refer to their city as 'Barceloneta' – 'littleBarcelona' – because of their ancestry and fraternity with theCatalancapital. This Catalan population was the subject of an 1888 book byEduardo Toda y Güell:Un poble català d'Itàlia: l'Alguer,which restarted the connection betweenCataloniaand Alghero. The cuisine is a blend ofCatalan cuisineandSardinian cuisine.[11]
Main sights
edit
The many historical dominances that occurred in Alghero have created a rich variety of monuments, buildings and sights. Back from the Neolithic period from which many settlements remain, up to nowadays, in the last decades Alghero has become a touristic main point not only because of its coast and natural beauties but also because of a fairly well-preserved patrimony.
Archeological sites
editSeveral archeological sites out of the urban area: theAnghelu Ruju necropolis,the Santu Pedru hill, the Villa Romana of Santa Imbenia or even the Purissima. Many nuraghi in some other points as Palmavera are also well preserved and open to visitors.
Ramparts
edit
The first ramparts system looks back to the 13th century and was imported from theGenovesesystem. In 1354 the city was occupied by Catalans, who restored and expanded the defensive system, back then in bad condition. Some features from the old walls were respected, butFerdinand the Catholic,who wanted to grant more protection to the city, built the majority of them in the 16th century. Along the walls, seven towers and three forts are found.
Religious architecture
edit
- Alghero Cathedral(Cattedrale di Santa Maria Immacolata di Alghero) is the seat of theRoman Catholic Diocese of Alghero-Bosa(initially bishopric of Alghero). Construction started in 1570, and although it was opened in 1593, it was not until 1730 that it was finished and consecrated. The original church was in the Catalan-Gothicstyle, as can be seen in the five chapels of thepresbytery,which also include the base of the bell tower. The nave and the two aisles are of late Renaissance style. In the 20th century a Neo-Classicalnarthexwas added to the façade, radically altering its appearance.
- The church of St. Francis (1360, rebuilt in the late 16th century). Original Catalan-Gothic parts can be seen over the high altar, the presbytery chapels and the San Sacramento Chapel. The bell tower is from the first half of the 16th century.
- The church of St. Michael.
- TheMadonna del Santo Rosario.
Others
edit
- TheTorre del Portal,built at the expense of the Jewish community in Alghero in 1360, and theTower dell'Esperò Reial(16th century).
- Palazzo D'Albis(16th century), a typical example of the Aragonese architecture of the 16th century. In October 1541 it housed the EmperorCharles V.
- Neptune's Grotto,a large cave discovered in the 19th century.
- Palazzo Carcassona
The coral of Alghero is among the finest in the Mediterranean with a reputation for quantity, quality, compression and ruby red color. Indeed, this coral is one of the most important economic aspects of the territory, giving this stretch of the coast its name, theRiviera del Corallo.The coat of arms and flag of Alghero include a branch of the valuable red coral on a foundation of rock.
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1861 | 8,831 | — |
| 1871 | 9,988 | +13.1% |
| 1881 | 9,989 | +0.0% |
| 1901 | 10,741 | +7.5% |
| 1911 | 11,860 | +10.4% |
| 1921 | 12,555 | +5.9% |
| 1931 | 13,737 | +9.4% |
| 1936 | 15,998 | +16.5% |
| 1951 | 21,374 | +33.6% |
| 1961 | 26,688 | +24.9% |
| 1971 | 32,187 | +20.6% |
| 1981 | 36,508 | +13.4% |
| 1991 | 39,026 | +6.9% |
| 2001 | 38,404 | −1.6% |
| 2011 | 40,641 | +5.8% |
| 2021 | 42,458 | +4.5% |
| Source:ISTAT | ||
Territory
edit
Villages and hamlet
editAround Alghero territory beside several villages and hamlets, mostly with own church and partial services and shops.
- Fertilia- Well known for the origin of thefoundation cityatFascismera and for the airport
- Santa Maria La palma - Well known to be the location of the famous wineryCantina sociale
- Maristella - Porto Conte
- Tramariglio
- Guardia grande
- Villa Assunta
- Sa Segada
- I piani
- Tanca Farrà
Another of Alghero features is its landscape. It has several beaches, bays and natural parks on the shoreline. Capo Caccia promontory and its lighthouse are landmarks.
Coast and beaches
edit- Spiaggia di Poglina o della Speranza
- Cala Burantino[12]
- San Giovanni
- Lido
- Maria Pia
- Le Bombarde
- Lazzaretto
- Mugoni
- La Stalla
- Le Bombarde
- Punta Negra
- Cala Dragunara[12]
Natural parks
edit- Area naturale marina protetta Capo Caccia – Isola Piana
- Parco regionale di Porto Conte
Transport and infrastructures
editAlghero is well-connected. Roads lead to Sassari, the province's capital. The main port for passengers is 30 kilometers away and Alghero – Fertilia airport has national and international flights.
Roads
edit- Strada statale 127bis Settentrionale Sarda, leading to Porto Conte (north) and Sassari (east).
- Strada statale 291 della Nurra, from Fertilia to Sassari.
- Strada provinciale 42 dei Due Mari, reaching the port in Porto Torres.
- Strada provinciale 105 Alghero-Bosa, panoramical road, it starts in the southern part of Alghero and goes along the shore to Bosa.
- Strada statale 291 dir del Calich, assuring the connection to and from the airport.
Trains
edit
Alghero has a train station in the Pietraia neighborhood, Sant’Agostino, with daily trains to Sassari by Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti.
Port
edit
There is a leisure and fishing port in the heart of the city. Passenger traffic is handled byPorto Torres,some 30 kilometers north. There are ferry services from there toGenoa,BarcelonaandCivitavecchia.
Airport
editTheAlghero-Fertilia "Riviera del Corallo" Airportis 10 kilometers from the centre near Fertilia. It is the principal connection with the rest of Italy and Europe. There is an hourly bus service to Fertilia and the centre of Alghero.
Books
editIn the 1930s theSwedishwriterAmelie Posse Brazdovawrote a book entitledSardinia Side Show,where she told the complete story of two years she spent "interned" in Alghero old town duringWorld War I.
Sport events
edit- Scala Piccada (motor racing)
- The Rally di Sardegna – several editions from 2004 to 2020 (WRC– motor racing)
- Gara del Miglio marino (swimming)
- Italian Welter Weights Championship (boxing)
- TrofeoTore Burruni(boxing)
- Regata di Sant'Elm (lateen)
- Trofeo Sant Joan (Sailing)
- International Women's Judo Tournament (Jūdō)
- Sardinian Open Wheelchair Tennis (wheelchair tennis)
- Volta a Catalunya1986 edition (road cycling)
- Giro d'Italia2007 edition (road cycling)
- Davis Cup,Italy-Luxembourg, 2007 (tennis)
- Giro d'Italia, 2017 edition (road cycling)
- Rally di Sardegna,2020 edition (with health security assistance)
Twin towns
edit
Balaguer,Catalonia- Tarragona,Catalonia
Palma de Mallorca,Balearic Islands
Encamp,Andorra
Notable people
edit- Antoni Ballero(1927–2009), Catalan poet
See also
edit
- Diocese of Alghero-Bosa(initially Alghero)
- Alghero–Fertilia Airport
- History of Sardinia
References
edit- ^"Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011".Italian National Institute of Statistics.Retrieved16 March2019.
- ^Population data fromIstat
- ^"Alghero city guide, Sardinia – Visit and explore Alghero".carrentalinsardinia.com.
- ^Miles, Richard (2010).Carthage Must Be Destroyed: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Civilization.United States: Penguin Books. pp. 42–43.ISBN978-0-14-312129-9.
- ^"Corpus Oral de l'Alguerès".prosodia.upf.edu.
- ^"World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020: Capo Cacceia-16522"(CSV).ncei.noaa.gov(Excel).National Oceanic and Atmosoheric Administration.Retrieved28 February2024.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: postscript (link) - ^"Sardegna Cultura – Lingua sarda – Il sardo – Altre lingue".sardegnacultura.it.
- ^Muroni, Anthony (11 May 2017)."Agli algheresi piace parlare catalano, ora vorrebbero si insegnasse a scuola"[Algheresi like to speak Catalan, now they would like to be taught at school].anthonymuroni.it.
- ^"Gli algheresi vogliono il catalano a scuola"[Algherese want Catalan at school].La Nuova Sardegna(in Italian). 13 May 2017.
- ^Songs in Algherese available on official websitefrancamasu.comArchived5 March 2012 at theWayback Machine
- ^"Alghero History and Culture".portodialghero.com.
- ^abBeaches in Alghero and surroundings,viajarcerdena.com. Accessed 1 March 2024.
External links
edit
Definitionsfrom Wiktionary
Mediafrom Commons
Newsfrom Wikinews
Quotationsfrom Wikiquote
Textsfrom Wikisource
Textbooksfrom Wikibooks
Resourcesfrom Wikiversity
Travel informationfrom Wikivoyage
- Official website(in Italian)
- Official Alghero tourism web site(in English)
- Official Sardinian tourism office(in English)
- Alghero airport official web site(in English)
- Tourist information about Alghero and its territory(in Italian)
- Alghero online news(in Italian)