Arzachena Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Arzachena

Alzachèna (Gallurese)
Altzaghèna (Sardinian)

Comune

Comune di Arzachena

Flag	Coat of arms

Country

Sassari (SS)

Frazioni

Abbiadori, Baja Sardinia, Cannigione, Porto Cervo, Cala di Volpe, Padula d'Izzana, Braniatogghiu, Cala Bitta, Cala del Faro, Capriccioli, Sarra Balestra, Calacrano, Cuncosu, Farina, Pulicinu, Golfo Pevero, Isuledda, Pitrizza, La Conia, Liscia di Vacca, Monticanaglia, Mucchi Bianchi, Lu Mulinu, Pantogia, La Caldosa, Capo Ferro, Poltu Quatu, Romazzino, Santa Teresina, Surrau, Tanca Manna

Area

• Total

230.85 km² (89.13 sq mi)

Elevation

85 m (279 ft)

Population

(31 March 2022)

• Total

13,328

• Density

57.734/km² (149.532/sq mi)

Demonym(s)

Arzachenesi

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postal code

07021

Dialing code

0789

Patron saint

Santa Maria della Neve

Saint day

3rd Sunday in September

Arzachena is a town located in northern Sardinia, which is the second largest island off the coast of Italy. It is part of the province of Sassari. Arzachena is known for its beautiful coastline and ancient history.

The town is located between the famous Costa Smeralda resort and Porto Rafael. These popular tourist spots were first developed in the late 1950s. Arzachena is the third largest comune (a type of municipality or town area) in the Gallura region by population.

The Albucciu nuraghe near Arzachena.

A frazione (a smaller village or hamlet) of Arzachena is Porto Cervo. This area is the main part of Costa Smeralda for summer tourism. Since the 1960s, tourism has become the most important way people in Arzachena make a living, replacing farming.

Near Arzachena, you can find many old archaeological sites. These sites are from the Nuragic civilization, an ancient culture that lived in Sardinia. There's even a special local group called the Arzachena culture, known for places like the necropolis of Li Muri.

History of Arzachena
Villages and Localities
Sister Cities
See also

History of Arzachena

The ancient Nuraghe La Prisgiona.

The area where Arzachena is located was once home to the Arzachena culture. The Romans later knew this region as Turibulum. This name came from a mushroom-shaped rock that is now a symbol of the town.

The name Arzachena was first written down in a document from 1421. King Alfonso IV of Aragon gave the land, spelled as Arsaghene, to Ramboldo de Cobaria. By the late 1500s, most people had left the area.

The current town of Arzachena was rebuilt in 1716. King Charles Emmanuel III of Savoy helped re-establish it on a hill.

The Santa Lucia church in Arzachena.

In 1909, the new village had 853 people. This number grew a lot after the tourist boom from Costa Smeralda. Costa Smeralda was originally a small part of the coast within the Arzachena area.