Defensive walls in Alghero, City walls in Alghero, Italy
The Defensive walls of Alghero are limestone structures that run along the Mediterranean coast, surrounding the old town with towers, bastions, and gates forming a complete protective ring. They enclose the historic center and can be viewed from multiple vantage points along their entire circuit.
These fortifications were built in the 16th century under Spanish rule to protect the coastal settlement from naval attacks and military threats. Later Italian rulers maintained and adapted them to suit changing defensive needs.
The walls reflect the building styles of different rulers whose influence shaped the town over time, mixing Spanish and Italian construction methods visible in the stonework. Walking along them, you sense how multiple civilizations left their mark on this coastal place.
You can walk along various sections of the walls, though some parts are easier to navigate than others and offer better views. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when fewer people are around and the light is more pleasant.
The Torre di San Giacomo and Torre di Sant'Elmo are two surviving towers that mark where the strongest defensive positions once stood. From these towers today you get sweeping views of the entire bay and surrounding coast.
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