Fortresses, Castles & Palaces in Sardinia

One of the most striking and picturesque features in Alghero are the medieval walls surrounding the town’s historical centre. Canon and catapults, towers and forts along the way are a fascinating reminder of Alghero’s rich history. Like many places, these walls were built and then repaired and developed over the centuries. Alghero was a fortified Genoese port town as early as the 11th century. In the mid 1300s the Catalans repaired the walls, but much of what we see today was built in the 16th century by the Aragonese.

Set in a public park created in 1830 are the ruins of the medieval Aymerich Castle. Although much of what we see today dates to at least the 13th century, it is thought that there was an earlier settlement probably dating back to the 12th or even the 11th century. The castle was built to defend the borders of the Judicate of Arborea from the Cagliari Judicate. In the 19th century, when the ruling family of the fief of Laconi were living here, the castle was destroyed by fire. Visitors are free to walk among the ruins and see  the vaulted arch entrance that is flanked by a rectangular tower, and the remains of the palace, with its Catalan-Gothic windows.

The castle is the only one still habitable on the island, and is preserved in perfect condition. It was built between 1188 and 1195 at the behest of Pietro I Judge of Arborea, to defend the borders of his Judicate from the Judicate of Cagliari. It witnessed events that marked the history of medieval Sardinia, such as the Battle of Sanluri, which decreed the end of the Judicate of Arborea. Over time, it lost its defensive functions, eventually becoming the seat of the Risorgimental Museum Duke of Aosta, which contains various historical relics of the Risorgimento and the First World War. The rooms of the castle still house their original furniture, with pieces ranging from the 17th to the 20th century.

The chronology of its construction is uncertain, with historical records suggesting a date of 1112, while archaeological data point to the 13th century. It was built as a lookout point, specifically to control Temo River, an important access route to the hinterland. It is still possible to walk the castle’s ramparts, admiring in all its beauty the picturesque landscape of Bosa, in which the colours of the houses in the old town are enhanced by the river flowing through it. Inside is the Palatine Chapel of ‘Nostra Signora di Sos Regnos Altos’, which houses a cycle of frescoes unique to Sardinia, dating back to the 14th century.

Located in the historic Castello quarter of Cagliari, the Royal palace, also known as the Viceregio (or Viceroyal palace), was built in the 14th century as a residence for the king’s representatives in Sardinia. It was used as such by the Aragonese, the Spanish and the Savoyards, each of which left their own mark in their adaptations. Today it serves as the administrative seat of the Metropolitan City of Cagliari. After climbing the grand 18th century staircase entry is only €3, for which you can see the ornate Council Chamber and various private and state reception rooms.

Longonsardo Tower is at the northern end of the seaside resort of Santa Teresa Gallura, hence it is also known as Santa Teresa Tower. Set upon the rocks, it overlooks Sardinia’s northern coastline towards Corsica. The tower was part of a defensive system built in the 16th century for King Phillip II of Spain to protect Sardinia from looters. An impressive circular turret tower built using granite and with a height of 11 m, it is the largest defensive structure to be built by the Spanish in Sardinia. It has recently been repaired and refurbished, and is open to the public.