Chiesa di San Francesco (St. Francis Church), Alghero (must see)
Saint Francis Church is a captivating historical landmark nestled in Alghero's atmospheric Old Town. Originally constructed in the 1300s, this church complex is a rich tapestry of architectural styles, blending Romanesque, Catalan-Gothic, late Renaissance, and Baroque influences. Its restoration in the 14th century has preserved its intricate historical details, making it one of the finest examples of Gothic-Catalan architecture in Sardinia.
The church complex includes a serene two-tiered cloister, which is the oldest part of the building. This tranquil space, located in the heart of the main shopping district on Via Carlo Alberto, features charming arches and is used as a venue for summer concerts. The cloister’s design is characterized by its elegant arches and historic murals, which date back to 1360 and were later rebuilt in the late 16th century.
The small chapel at the base of the tower provides a serene retreat, while the main church exhibits a blend of Gothic-Catalan elements over the high altar, the presbytery chapels, and the San Sacramento Chapel. The stone building is further distinguished by its bell tower from the first half of the 16th century and a facade adorned with a classic-style lintel, featuring the emblem of the Franciscans encircled by angels.
The church complex includes a serene two-tiered cloister, which is the oldest part of the building. This tranquil space, located in the heart of the main shopping district on Via Carlo Alberto, features charming arches and is used as a venue for summer concerts. The cloister’s design is characterized by its elegant arches and historic murals, which date back to 1360 and were later rebuilt in the late 16th century.
The small chapel at the base of the tower provides a serene retreat, while the main church exhibits a blend of Gothic-Catalan elements over the high altar, the presbytery chapels, and the San Sacramento Chapel. The stone building is further distinguished by its bell tower from the first half of the 16th century and a facade adorned with a classic-style lintel, featuring the emblem of the Franciscans encircled by angels.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Alghero. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: 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.
Chiesa di San Francesco (St. Francis Church) on Map
Sight Name: Chiesa di San Francesco (St. Francis Church)
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 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’s 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’s 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
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