Castelsardo

Castelsardo is a beautiful medieval village, located in Northern Sardinia, in the Asinara Gulf. The greatest charm of the village is also the reason that allowed it to be preserved safe and intact from attacks and raids: namely its location on a promontory overlooking the sea. The town was founded in 1102 by the Genoese Doria family, who gave it the name of Castelgenovese. In the second half of the 700’s its name was changed to Castelsardo.

The fortress, which gives its name to the town, is the original center of the city. From it branch off the typical narrow streets and alleyways where it is not uncommon, in fine weather, to see women sitting outside their houses, intent on weaving the traditional baskets. The castle, which for many years gave accommodation to military garrisons, and more recently the Carabinieri barracks, now houses the Mediterranean weaving Museum and other art exhibitions.

The most famous symbol of Castelsardo is definitely the Elephant Rock. This great natural monument is located near the town, along the road to Sedini. Those scratches on the rock which appear to be caused by wind and rain are actually man-made. The rock, in its entirety, is nothing more than a monumental tomb, classified as a Domus de Janas, or large underground tomb dating back to Neolithic times.