Cattedrale di Santa Maria Immacolata (Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary), Alghero (must see)
The Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary is a significant Roman Catholic cathedral. Serving as the episcopal seat since 1503, the cathedral's long and complex construction reflects its historical and architectural evolution. The site was designated as a diocesan seat in 1503, but actual construction did not commence until the 1530s. It took over 60 years to open, and the cathedral was not fully completed and consecrated until 1730.
Originally built in a Catalan-Gothic style, the cathedral features several architectural elements from this period, including the five chapels and ambulatory of the presbytery, as well as the octagonal base of the bell tower. However, the nave and the two aisles were constructed in the Late Renaissance style, showing a transition in architectural trends during the cathedral's lengthy building process. This blend of styles adds to the building's historical richness and visual interest.
In the 19th century, a Neo-Classical narthex was added to the cathedral鈥檚 facade, dramatically altering its appearance and adding a new layer of architectural complexity. The cathedral also serves as a burial site for notable figures, including the Italian Duke of Montferrat and his brother, who died on the island of malaria in the late 18th century.
Today, the Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary stands not only as a place of worship but also as a monument to the diverse architectural styles and historical phases that have shaped Alghero.
Originally built in a Catalan-Gothic style, the cathedral features several architectural elements from this period, including the five chapels and ambulatory of the presbytery, as well as the octagonal base of the bell tower. However, the nave and the two aisles were constructed in the Late Renaissance style, showing a transition in architectural trends during the cathedral's lengthy building process. This blend of styles adds to the building's historical richness and visual interest.
In the 19th century, a Neo-Classical narthex was added to the cathedral鈥檚 facade, dramatically altering its appearance and adding a new layer of architectural complexity. The cathedral also serves as a burial site for notable figures, including the Italian Duke of Montferrat and his brother, who died on the island of malaria in the late 18th century.
Today, the Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary stands not only as a place of worship but also as a monument to the diverse architectural styles and historical phases that have shaped Alghero.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Alghero. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Cattedrale di Santa Maria Immacolata (Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary) on Map
Sight Name: Cattedrale di Santa Maria Immacolata (Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary)
Sight Location: Alghero, Italy (See walking tours in Alghero)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Alghero, Italy (See walking tours in Alghero)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Alghero, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Alghero
Creating your own self-guided walk in Alghero is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Alghero's Old Palaces
Alghero, a historical gem on the northwest coast of Sardinia, is home to some of Italy's most significant architectural monuments. This is evident in the city's remarkable collection of old palaces, showcasing narratives that span centuries.
Carcassona Palace, dating back to the mid-1400s, stands out with its mix of influences from Valencia, Naples, Palermo, and Sardinia. A former... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Carcassona Palace, dating back to the mid-1400s, stands out with its mix of influences from Valencia, Naples, Palermo, and Sardinia. A former... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Alghero Introduction Walking Tour
Alghero, a charming coastal town in Sardinia, Italy, is a unique historical place where the Sardinian and Catalan cultures united.
The area鈥檚 history stretches back way before Christian times. The Phoenicians arrived here in the 8th century BC, establishing a metalworking settlement called Saint Imbenia.
Later, this strategic Mediterranean location attracted the Genoese Doria family, who... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
The area鈥檚 history stretches back way before Christian times. The Phoenicians arrived here in the 8th century BC, establishing a metalworking settlement called Saint Imbenia.
Later, this strategic Mediterranean location attracted the Genoese Doria family, who... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles