Castelsardo Cathedral, Co-cathedral in Castelsardo, Sardinia, Italy

Castelsardo Cathedral mixes Catalan Gothic and Renaissance elements and stands on a panoramic ledge above the sea in the historic centre. Its tall octagonal bell tower is capped by a small majolica-covered dome. Inside, a single barrel-vaulted nave leads to a crossing with a cross vault on four pilasters with carved capitals, and the raised presbytery is closed by a marble balustrade.

The church became the seat of the bishop of Ampurias in 1503. The present building results from rebuilding begun in 1597 under Bishop Giovanni Sanna and continued into the 18th century; it was consecrated in 1622 by Bishop Passamar. In 1839 the diocese of Ampurias was merged into that of Tempio and the seat moved to Tempio Cathedral, leaving Castelsardo as a co-cathedral.

The cathedral houses the Enthroned Madonna and Child, a significant 15th-century painting attributed to the Master of Castelsardo in its marble high altar.

The building sits in the historic center and is easy to reach from the old town. Keep in mind it remains an active place of worship, so visiting hours should be respected.

The building stands on high ground with direct views toward the Mediterranean Sea, blending religious architecture with a coastal setting. This positioning gives visitors an unusual sense of the sacred combined with seascape.