Castelsardo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Castelsardo
Castheddu (Sassarese)
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| Comune di Castelsardo | |
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Castelsardo
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| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sardinia |
| Province | Sassari (SS) |
| Frazioni | Lu Bagnu, [lMulteddu, San Giovanni, Terra Bianca, Pedra Sciolta, Lu Romasinu, Punta Tramontana |
| Area | |
| • Total | 43.34 km2 (16.73 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 114 m (374 ft) |
| Population
(2022)
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| • Total | 5,610 |
| • Density | 129.44/km2 (335.3/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Castellanesi |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code |
07031
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| Dialing code | 079 |
| Patron saint | St. Antony |
| Saint day | 17 January (17/01) |
Castelsardo is a charming town in Sardinia, Italy. It is located on the northwest coast of the island. You can find it at the east end of the Gulf of Asinara. This beautiful town is known for its long history and amazing views. It is even considered one of "The most beautiful villages of Italy"!
Contents
History of Castelsardo
People have lived in the Castelsardo area for a very long time. We know this from old digs by archaeologists. They found signs of human presence from before the Nuragic times. The Romans also lived here when they ruled Sardinia.
From Castle Doria to Castelsardo
After the Western Roman Empire ended, a monastery called Nostra Signora di Tergu was built nearby. But the town we see today started with a castle. The powerful Doria family from Genoa built it. This happened around 1102 or 1270.
The castle and the village around it became the center of the Doria family's land. They called it Castel Doria or Castelgenovese. Later, in 1448, the Aragonese took over. They renamed it Castillo Aragonés, which means Aragonese Castle. Castelsardo was one of the last places in Sardinia to join the Kingdom of Sardinia. This happened much later, by the will of King Charles Emmanuel III.
Main Sights to See
Castelsardo has many interesting places to visit. They show its long and rich history.
Natural Wonders and Ancient Structures
- Elephant's Rock: This is a huge rock shaped like an elephant. It is one of the famous symbols of Sardinia. You can visit it for free!
- Megalithic walls: These are very old walls from before the Nuragic times. They show how ancient people built things.
- Nuraghe Paddaju: A nuraghe is an ancient stone building. There are several of these old structures around Castelsardo.
Historic Buildings and Museums
- Doria Castle: This castle was built in 1102. It stands 114 meters high and offers great views.
- Co-Cathedral: This church is dedicated to St. Antony the Abbot. Inside its crypts, you can find the "Maestro di Castelsardo" Museum.
- Church of St. Mary: This church has a special wooden statue called the Black Christ.
- Doria Palace: An old palace that belonged to the Doria family.
- La Loggia Palace: This building has been the town hall since 1111.
- Palace of Eleonora of Arborea: This palace belonged to a very famous person in Sardinia's history.
- Sea walls: These walls protected the town from the sea.
Special Recognitions
Castelsardo has received several special honors:
- It was given the title of "City" in 1448 by the crown of Aragon.
- It is listed as one of I borghi più belli d'Italia ("The most beautiful villages of Italy").
- It is also part of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de la Terre" (the most beautiful villages on Earth).
- It is recognized as one of the "Città regie della Sardegna" (Royal Cities of Sardinia).
See also
In Spanish: Castelsardo para niños
