Alghero is a town located on the western coast of Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its historical ties to Catalonia, Alghero has a distinct Catalan influence, which is evident in its culture, language, and architecture.
The origins of Alghero trace back to prehistory, with archaeological evidence indicating settlements from the Nuragic civilization. However, the town's most defining historical period began with its conquest by the Catalan-Aragonese forces in 1354. After the fall of Sassari to the Genoese, the Aragonese repopulated Alghero with Catalan colonists, giving the city its characteristic Catalan cultural imprint.
Throughout the centuries, Alghero was an important strategic point due to its natural harbor. It was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, which was under the rule of the Spanish crown until 1720, when it passed to the House of Savoy. The influence of the Catalan language and culture has persisted, and Alghero is still referred to as "Barceloneta" (Little Barcelona) due to its strong Catalan heritage.
In Alghero, the Catalan language, known locally as "Algherese," is still spoken by a significant portion of the population, especially among older generations. This dialect, although influenced by Italian and Sardinian, retains its Catalan roots. Cultural events like the Sant Joan festival celebrate the town's Catalan traditions with bonfires, music, and dancing.
Alghero's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, thanks to its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant local culture. The town also has a significant role in the wine production industry, with several vineyards producing notable Vermentino wines.
The surrounding area of Alghero includes: