An ancient royal city rich in history and art, the most important landmark in northern Sardinia for the economic and cultural activities concentrated there, it has been the birthplace of many prominent figures of the Italian Republic.
Rosello Fountain and Piazza d'Italia are its symbols. Founded in the Middle Ages, Sassari is rich in stately and ecclesiastical buildings of great value, protected by a setting of fields and olive groves. In the center stand the cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari and the churches of St. Mary of Bethlehem and St. Apollinaris, the city's oldest. A concentration of archaeology is the Sanna Museum. While of naturalistic interest is the Monserrato Park, a green oasis in the suburbs.
The penultimate Sunday in May is the Cavalcata Sarda, where traditional costumes parade in front of tens of thousands of visitors. Ferragosto marks the most heartfelt festival, the Descent of the Candlesticks, a procession of monumental wooden candles carried on the shoulders along the streets to fulfill the vow to the Virgin of the Assumption who, legend says, saved the city from the plague. Also evocative are the rites of Holy Week. Speaking of tradition here are the flavors of the cuisine: favata and 'monzette,' snails cooked in batter.
The most impressive evidence of prehistory is the nuragic complex of Monte d'Accoddi (2700 - 2400 B.C.), with a megalithic altar unique in Sardinia in shape, reminiscent of Mesopotamian sanctuaries. Also visible in the area are domus de Janas, menhirs and other nuraghi.
You will be fascinated by the coastline of its territory. The sandy expanse of Platamona, in the Gulf of Asinara, is historically the 'beach of the Sassaresi'. While on the western side, north of Capo Caccia, you'll find dazzlingly colored jewels: Porto Ferro, with fine sand, and Porto Palmas, with small, smooth white pebbles. Heading up north, here is Argentiera, a striking symbol of mining archaeology, once in vogue, now a ghostly ruin.You will be fascinated by the coastline of its territory. The sandy expanse of Platamona, in the Gulf of Asinara, is historically the 'beach of the Sassaresi'. While on the western side, north of Capo Caccia, you'll find dazzlingly colored jewels: Porto Ferro, with fine sand, and Porto Palmas, with small, smooth white pebbles. Heading up north, here is Argentiera, a striking symbol of mining archaeology, once in vogue, now a ghostly ruin.
Sassari
Address: C.so G.M. Angioi, 15
Phone: 079 279 111
Site:
http://www.comune.sassari.it/Location inserted by
Luigi de Marchi