“Catalan” Alghero owes its medieval origins to the powerful Genoese Doria family, who between the 12th and 13th centuries transformed it into an important fortified town and trading centre in north-western Sardinia.

At the end of the 13th century, the political balance of the Mediterranean began to change. In 1297, Pope Boniface VIII established the Kingdom of Sardinia and Corsica, granting it to James II of Aragon. The Aragonese conquest of the island began a few decades later, and Alghero, thanks to its strategic position, became one of the Crown’s main objectives.

In 1353, in the waters of Porto Conte, the Catalan-Aragonese and Venetian fleet defeated the Genoese. Following a local uprising, Peter IV of Aragon laid siege to Alghero in 1354 and took definitive control of the town. Alghero was then repopulated mainly by Catalan settlers, creating the deep connection with Catalonia that can still be seen today in its language, culture and identity.

Between the 15th and 16th centuries, Alghero enjoyed a period of prosperity. Catalans and Jews contributed to its economic and cultural life, while its status as a royal city brought important commercial and fiscal privileges. Its strategic position also made it one of the main defensive strongholds of northern Sardinia. The Cathedral of Santa Maria and the establishment of the diocese further increased the city’s prestige.

The 17th century, however, was marked by the decline of Mediterranean trade and the devastating plague of 1652. During this period, the Jesuits played an important role in the city’s cultural and religious life through their College and the complex of the Church of San Michele.

Between the 18th and 19th centuries, Sardinia came first under Austrian rule and then, in 1720, passed to the House of Savoy. Alghero gradually lost its predominantly military role and began to expand beyond its ancient fortifications.

During the 20th century, the reclamation of the Nurra led to major changes in the surrounding area, including the foundation of Fertilia. During the Second World War, the bombings of 1943 caused casualties and severe damage to Alghero and its historic centre.

After the war, and particularly from the 1960s onwards, Alghero developed its strong tourist vocation, becoming one of Sardinia’s most fascinating destinations. Capo Caccia, Porto Conte, Neptune’s Grotto and its beautiful beaches complement an extraordinary historical and archaeological heritage represented by the Palmavera Nuraghe, the Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju, the ancient towers and the city walls.

Alghero is where Sardinia and Catalonia meet: a city suspended between history and the Mediterranean, proudly preserving its unique identity.

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Alghero is waiting for you. We are here to help you experience it.
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