Hidden Gem on the Hill
Castelsardo Sardinia, no trip to the island is complete without a stop! It is located in the Sassari region of Northern Sardinia, and as you drive the coast highway SS200 along the water you will see a medieval castle peeking up from the walls of a hilltop village. I didn’t know how great the site would be when I saw it come into view, but decided to stop and check it out. Castello dei Doria (Doria Castle) sits on top. To visit the village you park at one of several small parking areas at the bottom of the hill. I parked and headed up the stone path to the village.
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Perfectly Preserved
The medieval hilltop town was founded sometime between 1100 and 1250. The village is perfectly preserved and it’s a joy to explore the narrow paths of the fortress to the castle. My first encounter was the Cathedral of Sant’Antonio Abate dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great who is known as the ‘Father of All Monks.’ He was a Coptic Christian Monk from Egypt who’s devout faith helped spread Christianity from the deserts of Egypt into Western Europe.
Campanile ~ The Bell Tower of Castelsardo
The Bell Tower was not built with the church, but was incorporated into the village walls and used as a lighthouse. The views from the around the tower are spectacular. The narrow cobblestone streets filled with charming restaurants, shops and esspresso stops are simply magical. You will find just what you would expect from a medieval hamlet.
Time for a Thirsty Explorer Stop!
After a long hike up to the medieval village and through the beautiful lanes and churches, it was time for a Thirsty Explorer stop. Nothing quenches your thirst better than a cold Ichnusa Sardinian beer! I’m not sure if it’s the official beer of Sardinia, but it is in my book. We stopped at Trattoria Il Piccolo Borgo, a charming restaurant we saw at top of a narrow stone street and sat for a relaxing cold one. Then it was time to keep exploring!
Church of St. Mary of Grace - Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazie
The Church of Saint Mary of Grace was my favorite church. It’s a small unassuming church from the outside that dates back to the 1300s and was once attached to the Benedictine monastery adjacent to it. Inside you’ll find historical figures from the 1400s and the church itself has a true feeling of spirituality. I simply loved it.
Throughout the medieval village, house plaques over the doorways of the homes show what that citizen did for a living. Here lives a fisherman.
Castello dei Doria
The Castello dei Doria or Doria Castle is a beautifully preserved historical site which encompasses a museum. The Mediterranean Weaving Museum – MIM is part of the Castle museum complex and displays the ancient backet weaving that the area is famous for, not just your average weaving, but many intricate types of weave. Click here to see each room in the Museum. Artifacts are so fun to get a close up look at. a REAL Battering Ram makes the name obvious! Crossbows, armor and weapons in the museum are all authentic.
Farewell to another Beautiful Sardinian Gem
So after another beautiful day of exploring a medieval village, Castle and Glorious views down cobblestone streets and lanes it was time to bid Castlesardo farewell. If you get the chance, pick up a hand woven basket or platter from the famous artisans that are around the village. Their work is absolutely beautiful. And don’t forget that delicious Sardinian beer and seafood!
The Nitty Gritty ~
Costello dei Doria– Doria Castle
Mediterranean Interweaving Museum (MIM) & Museum of Genoese (MOG) at the Doria Castle.
Museum Tempio Ampurias – Museum of regional religious relics and artifacts.
Cathedral of Saint Anthony Abbot – Cattedrale di Sant’Antonio Abate
Church of Saint Mary of Grace – Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazie
By auto – Off Highway SS200. Many small streets lead to the village.
Bus and train service is lacking.
Bar Trattoria Il Piccolo Borgo – Delicious drinks of all kinds
Il Portico – Charming spot for drinks and small meals
Bar Ristorante Il Piccolo Borgo– Delicious food and drinks
Ristorante La Guardiola – great food and views!
La Schizzula di Satta Ignazio– Charming seafood and wine.
Gelateria – Ice Cream!
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