Sassari
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 21 October 2023
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The city of Sassari is the capital city of the Province of Sassari with a population of 126,870 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 225 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 546 km² and lies 213 kilometres north of Cagliari, the regional capital of Sardinia. The second most populous city in Sardinia, Sassari's highlights include the Cathedral with its 17th century Baroque facade, as well as an intriguing Centro Storico (Old Town). |
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Profile
Sassari is a vibrant and historic town located in the northwestern part of the Italian island of Sardinia. It is the second-largest town on the island, after the capital Cagliari, and serves as the administrative center of Sassari Province.
History
Sassari has a rich and ancient history, dating back to prehistoric times. It was originally settled by the Nuragic civilization, and evidence of their presence can still be found in the nearby Nuraghe Sant'Antine, one of the largest nuraghi in Sardinia. Over the centuries, the town was occupied by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans.
In the Middle Ages, Sassari became an important city under the rule of the Giudicato of Torres, an independent Sardinian kingdom. In the 13th century, it was conquered by the Republic of Genoa, which greatly influenced its architecture and culture.
Throughout the following centuries, the town witnessed battles and changes of control, eventually becoming part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and later the unified Kingdom of Italy
In the Middle Ages, Sassari became an important city under the rule of the Giudicato of Torres, an independent Sardinian kingdom. In the 13th century, it was conquered by the Republic of Genoa, which greatly influenced its architecture and culture.
Throughout the following centuries, the town witnessed battles and changes of control, eventually becoming part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and later the unified Kingdom of Italy
Highlights and nearby attractions
- Historic Centre: Sassari's historic center is a maze of narrow streets, squares, and medieval buildings. The main square, Piazza d'Italia, is a bustling hub surrounded by elegant palaces, cafes, and shops.
- Cathedral of St. Nicholas: The Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Duomo di San Nicola) is the city's main religious building. It boasts an impressive façade and houses valuable artworks and religious relics.
- Palazzo della Provincia: This historic building, located in Piazza d'Italia, is an architectural gem with neoclassical elements. It currently serves as the headquarters of the Province of Sassari.
- Museums: Sassari is home to several museums, including the National Archaeological Museum, which showcases artifacts from the Nuragic and Roman periods, and the Ethnographic Museum, which provides insight into Sardinian culture and traditions.
- La Speranza Beach: While Sassari is not directly on the coast, it is close to some beautiful beaches, such as La Speranza Beach, a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
- Cuisine: Visitors can savor traditional Sardinian dishes in the town's restaurants and trattorias, with specialties like "culurgiones" (stuffed pasta), "fregola" (a type of pasta), and "seadas" (a sweet pastry).
- Festivals: Sassari hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Cavalcata Sarda, a colorful parade celebrating Sardinian traditions and costumes.
- University of Sassari: The town is home to the University of Sassari, one of the oldest universities in Italy, founded in 1562. The university contributes to the town's lively and youthful atmosphere.
- Surrounding Area: Sassari is well-situated for exploring the rest of Sardinia, including the beautiful beaches of the Costa Smeralda, the archaeological site of Nuraghe Sant'Antine, and the picturesque town of Alghero.
Comune di Sassari
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Province: Sassari
Region: Sardinia Population: 121,021 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 546 km² Elevation: 225 metres Highlights: cathedral, Piazza Italia, centro storico Close by: La Pelosa Beach, Asinara, Stintino, Porto Torres Recommended accommodation: Hotel Carlo Felice |
Sassari Travel
Sassari's train station is situated north west of the city centre, a 13 minute walk (1.2 km) from Piazza Italia. Trains run south from Sassari to Cagliari with a journey time of 3 hours 5 minutes, stopping along the way at Oristano (2 hours 10 minutes) and Cagliari Elmas Airport (2 hours 58 minutes), just before the city itself.
The most convenient airport for Sassari is Alghero Fertilia Airport which is 30 minutes away by car (32 km). The next best alternative is Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (1 hour 10 minutes/101 km), while Cagliari Elmas Airport at 2 hours 40 minutes (257 km) is not really a viable option.
Places of interest close to Sassari include La Pelosa Beach, for many people the best beach in Sardinia which is saying something. La Pelosa is situated at the north west tip of Sardinia, just a short hop across the water from the wonderful island of Asinara where the local donkey population greatly outnumbers the one official human resident. Asinara can be reached by ferry either from Porto Torres which is just north of Sassari, or from Stintino which is closer to La Pelosa Beach.
The most convenient airport for Sassari is Alghero Fertilia Airport which is 30 minutes away by car (32 km). The next best alternative is Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (1 hour 10 minutes/101 km), while Cagliari Elmas Airport at 2 hours 40 minutes (257 km) is not really a viable option.
Places of interest close to Sassari include La Pelosa Beach, for many people the best beach in Sardinia which is saying something. La Pelosa is situated at the north west tip of Sardinia, just a short hop across the water from the wonderful island of Asinara where the local donkey population greatly outnumbers the one official human resident. Asinara can be reached by ferry either from Porto Torres which is just north of Sassari, or from Stintino which is closer to La Pelosa Beach.
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Public transport: central train station, local buses
By train: Oristano - 2 hours 10 minutes, Cagliari - 3 hours 5 mins |
By car: Oristano - 1 hour 19' (122 km), Nuoro - 1 hour 22' (120 km)
Fly to: Alghero Fertilia Airport - 30 minutes by car (32 km) |
