Castelsardo, Medieval fortress town in northern Sardinia, Italy.
Castelsardo is a coastal settlement built on a rocky peninsula, with stone houses arranged in terraces above the Mediterranean Sea. Narrow streets connect the residential areas to a castle at the summit and lead down to small harbor and beach areas.
The Doria family from Genoa founded this fortress in 1270 to control shipping routes in the Gulf of Asinara. Over centuries, the settlement expanded and was reinforced multiple times due to raids and changing military needs.
Residents of Castelsardo have woven baskets from dwarf palm leaves for centuries, with each piece following patterns taught within families since ancient times. You can see artisans at work in small shops throughout the old town, keeping this craft alive.
The town is best explored on foot, as most streets are steep and narrow, unsuitable for cars. Sturdy shoes are recommended, and visiting early in the morning helps avoid crowds during peak season.
The Cathedral of Sant'Antonio Abate has hidden vaults beneath its floor that house a collection of medieval paintings. These underground spaces reveal layers of history beneath what appears to be a simple church from the street.
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