Alghero Cathedral

Alghero Cathedral, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, stands as a magnificent testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of Alghero, a charming town on the northwestern coast of Sardinia, Italy. This cathedral, with its blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles, invites visitors to step back in time and explore the layers of history embedded within its walls.

The Historical Tapestry of Alghero Cathedral

The story of Alghero Cathedral begins in the early 16th century. In 1503, Pope Julius II issued a bull that reorganized the dioceses of Sardinia, leading to the creation of the Diocese of Alghero. This move was strongly supported by King Ferdinand II of Aragon. Alghero, which had been elevated to city status in 1501, lacked a sufficiently grand church to serve as a cathedral. Thus, the construction of the Alghero Cathedral began in the 1530s, marking the start of a long journey that would see the building evolve through various architectural styles over the centuries.

The initial phase of construction, completed by 1550, included the apse, the choir, five radial chapels, and the octagonal bell tower. The bell tower, with its Gothic-Catalan design, remains one of the most striking features of the cathedral. As construction continued, the influence of the military architect Rocco Cappellino became evident. Cappellino introduced late Renaissance elements, particularly in the expansive longitudinal nave divided into three aisles and the wide transept. By 1593, the cathedral was open for worship, although it was not yet fully completed.

In 1638, the Renaissance-style covering of the nave was completed, and the construction of the octagonal dome above the presbytery began. The cathedral underwent significant renovations in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the addition of artistic marble furnishings and the construction of a new Neoclassical facade in 1862, replacing the original late Renaissance one.

Architectural Marvels of Alghero Cathedral

The exterior of Alghero Cathedral is characterized by its towering campanile, which stands as a symbol of the city. This bell tower, part of the building's initial construction phase, features an octagonal shaft with pointed arches and is crowned with a slender, pyramid-shaped spire adorned with colorful majolica tiles, a design commonly seen in Catalonia. At the base of the bell tower is a beautifully decorated portal that leads to the central chapel of the ambulatory.

The main entrance of the cathedral is located on the small Piazza del Duomo, where the Neoclassical facade, added in the 19th century, greets visitors. This facade features a monumental portico with a triangular pediment supported by four Doric columns atop a high stylobate with a central staircase.

Exploring the Interior

Stepping inside Alghero Cathedral reveals a Latin cross layout with three naves separated by classical-style pillars and columns. The interior boasts a late Renaissance style, evident in the slightly lowered barrel vault supported by a cornice and large classical brackets, divided into bays by transverse arches. The minimal offset of the orthogonal arms gives the longitudinal layout a Renaissance-inspired centrality, highlighted by the significant vertical development.

The side aisles feature six chapels, three on each side, adorned with impressive works of art. The first chapels on either side are particularly notable, being larger than the subsequent ones and covered by domes resting on tall pillars alternated with Doric sandstone columns. These chapels house two imposing 19th-century Neoclassical altars. Of special interest is the first chapel on the right, dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, with a grand altar consecrated in 1824, sculpted in marble and featuring a central circular temple reminiscent of the Temple of Vesta in Rome.

The transept, covered by a pavilion roof, contains additional chapels and the marble mausoleum of Maurice Joseph of Savoy, Duke of Monferrato, crafted in the early 19th century by Felice Festa. The crossing of the central nave and the transept is marked by the 17th-century octagonal dome, built on a high, windowed drum, beneath which lies the presbytery. The presbytery area, elevated by a few steps, is enclosed by a balustrade made of inlaid marble by Genoese artist Giuseppe Massetti in 1727. Massetti also created the main altar, featuring a sculptural group depicting the Immaculate Conception among angels, and the elegant pulpit. Flanking the steps to the presbytery are two marble lions, inspired by the Cathedral of Cagliari and replicated in various churches across the island.

Behind the wooden choir, in the polygonal apse, are five Gothic-style radial chapels connected to form an ambulatory. Among these chapels, the last one on the left, built later with Renaissance-inspired corbels, has a rectangular plan and a ribless cross vault. The chapels contain exquisite wooden altars crafted by skilled local artisans and others in marble, including the notable Blessed Sacrament altar made of precious Carrara marble commissioned by Bishop Pietro Bianco of Sassari.

The Pipe Organ

At the rear of the cathedral, on the cantoria above the entrance, is the Mascioni pipe organ, opus 477, built in 1935. This pneumatic transmission organ features two keyboards with 58 notes each and a concave-radial pedalboard with 30 notes.

Alghero Cathedral, with its rich history and architectural beauty, stands as a beacon of cultural and spiritual significance in the heart of Alghero. Its intricate design and historical layers make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this enchanting Sardinian town.