North Western Sardinia
The “Loguduro" (Logu de Torres) and the “Meilogu" (Mediolocum) costitute the central and central – southern of the antic judge of Torres. Nowadays we can divide this area in 3 parts: Loguduro – Turritano (Sassari) on the North, Loguduro – Meilogu on the West and Logudoru – Montacuto on the est. The whole area is very interesting regarding the landscape dominated by volcanic forms, wide tracks and scarce forests that divide vast spaces of pastures. There are an excellent concentration of cultures starting the prehistoric with the archeological remainders great value as graves of domus de janas, dolme or numerous nuragic villages (nuraghi). The traditional cuisine of Loguduro and Meilogu is composed of various types of handmade pasta; e.g. a “raviolone", a kind of salted strudel and tasty breads like the “spianate", famous pastry – e.g. “sospiri di Ozieri" – the delicious balls made of almond paste with a citrus aroma, the walnut and almond “torrone". There are plenty of different types of cheese produced in numerous hypermodern dairies spread in the territory – from soft to aged pecorino with the most famous one: “pecorino romano". The Algherese is a genuine and natural area on the north-western coast of Sardinia. Alghero – the main city is not an artificially created resort, but a city with a long, proud history, a real treasure of the island. Alghero derives its name from the abundance of seaweed (alghe) in the surrounding waters. It was known as Algarium in the Middle Ages and Al Alguer and Barcelloneta under Spanish rule. Surrounded by water on three sides, the "old city" of Alghero, the center of its traditions and customs, seems once again held captive-not by the Spanish who once dominated the city for some 360 years, but by the very people who love the city so well. The old city is closed within thick fortress walls, interrupted only by solemn towers. The stone streets, narrow and lined with shops, are dotted with randomly spaced and seemingly unplanned tiny piazzas. The dome of San Michele church and the pointed Aragonese tower of the church of San Francesco dominate the city. There are many interesting events in Alghero that demonstrate the reach tradition of this region. The Eve of New Year is the most interesting one. The huge festival with spectacles in the main square with fireworks, thousands of participants and a lot of fun. Another significant period is the Holy Week celebrated for centuries in Alghero and coming from the Catalan tradition from XVI century. People from Alghero differ from other Sardinians not only because of the antic Catalan language, but also because prefer to enjoy the sun, the beaches, and the cafés rather anything else. Just opposed to Sardinians who are noted for their quiet strength, independence, fierce loyalty, bravery, deep hearted friendliness and, at times, dour mien. The coasts around the south side of the city extends nearly for 80 km and alternates in ambient pictures made of impressive coastal rocks and beautiful beaches of the finest sand as Le Bombarde and Porto Conte, as well as the Punta Negra, Dei Pini and El Faro hotels. Travelling to the north-east, some 24 kilometers from Alghero, you can drive to the top of Capo Caccia, an awesome promontory from which you can descend the daring 654 steps of the famous Escala del Cabirol, or Goat's Stairway, to the stunning lake deep in the interior of the cavern known as Neptune's Grotto, the mythical abode of nymphs and a real pearl of Sardinia. Accessible also by tour boat from Alghero, Neptune's Grotto is filled with generously lit pastel stalactites and stalagmites that can be viewed from breathtaking walkways carved out of the stone. Called the Riviera del Corallo, Alghero is famous for its coral jewellery and carvings. The most precious coral is the rare pelle d'angelo, or angel skin coral. While coral jewellery represents the modern Algherese, the town's nuraghi provide a link with their past. The notable nuraghe of Palmavera, one of the 7,000 cone-shaped buildings thought to have served as fortresses throughout Sardinia, is located about nine kilometers north of Alghero. The main nuraghe is constructed of stone stacked without the aid of mortar and sits in the center of the site. It is entered through a low doorway, requiring that you stoop as you pass into the barren circular main chamber, which has no windows or other doorways. This nuraghe, and the site in general, is interesting because it exhibits two distinct building styles and is thought, therefore, to have been rebuilt around 880 B.C., toward the end of the nuraghe civilization (1500-500 B.C.). It is believed that at the time of the reconstruction the lesser nuraghe, as well as the smaller, rectangular structures that encircle both buildings, were added to the site but most questions have remained unanswered until today and nuraghe are still full of mystery.Other interesting places to visit are: - the Necropoli of Anghelu Ruju – a prenuragic grave complex situated 10 km from Alghero on the road of Due Mari towards Porto Torres. The first grave can be found on the road no. 131 Bis in direction for Ittiri. It is a hypogeum destined for inhumation and the cult of the dead, rather popular in antic Sardinia. - The Altar at the terrace of Monte d'Accoddi - the most interesting prenuragic monument, unique in the whole Mediterranean Basin -– a megalithic construction referring to the oriental concept of ziggurath (a high place that has been joining the earth with the sky and where the cult of heavenly divinity has used to take place). The tower of Babel is the most famous example of such constructions. To reach the Altar you can take Strada dei Due Mari in direction to Porto Torres (the highway 131 towards Sassari, crossroads at 7 km on the right after Porto Torres). It is necessary to drive about 1 km through the country road that starts nearby the agricultural company. - The Regia nuragica of Santu Antine (Torralba)-a kind of nuraghe- fort, the Tombe dei Giganti and nuraghi of Tamuli (Macomer)- the graves complex together with the nuraghe of the same name (you can reach the complex from the panoramic B road leading to Bosa -129 Bis towards Suni, 292 towards Cuglieri, B road towards Macomer until the crossroad with Monte di Sant'Antonio). It is necessary to follow for about 4 km the first country road on the right); The Village – Sanctuary and the Holly Well of Santa Cristina (Paulilatino) formed with the houses of people assigned to the cult (to reach it: B road for Bosa -129 Bis per Macomer, highway 131 towards Cagliari, after 20 km crossroad for Santa Cristina); - Archaeological Museum of Ittereddu (Sassari) – where you can find interesting material on the region. Museum is opened every day. Algherese cuisine is simple and based from one side on sea food and from the other on shepherds traditional meat dishes. Sea fruits as a famous lobster are of the unique sweetness and delicacy. They are prepared in the very simple way usually boiled and dressed with Sardinian oil and lemon or perfumed herbs. The Shepard cuisine is based on meat: roasted lamb, small goats or pork called “porcetto" and cheese as famous “pecorino" made of sheep milk or delicate “ricotta" and many others made of cow milk as well as goat milk. There are as well very good wines coming from the vineyards that surround Alghero and that so beautifully stretch down to the sea. House of Sella and Mosca are famous for the finest wines in Sardinia. The intense sun, the pleasant food, the coral-flecked beaches, the prehistoric sights and, best of all, the Algherese themselves are the characteristics that make any vacation here unforgettable and full of pleasant memories. Loguduro (Logu de Torres) and Meilogu (Mediolocum) costitute the central and central – southern of the antic judge of Torres. Nowadays we can divide this area in 3 parts: Loguduro – Turritano (Sassari) on the North, Loguduro – Meilogu on the West and Logudoru – Montacuto on the est. The whole area is very interesting regarding the landscape dominated by volcanic forms, wide tracks and scarce forests that divide vast spaces of pastures. There are an excellent concentration of cultures starting the prehistoric with the archeological remainders great value as graves of domus de janas, dolme or numerous nuragic villages (nuraghi). The traditional cuisine of Loguduro and Meilogu is composed of various types of handmade pasta; e.g. a “raviolone", a kind of salted strudel and tasty breads like the “spianate", famous pastry – e.g. “sospiri di Ozieri" – the delicious balls made of almond paste with a citrus aroma, the walnut and almond “torrone". There are plenty of different types of cheese produced in numerous hypermodern dairies spread in the territory – from soft to aged pecorino with the most famous one: “pecorino romano".