Castello dei Doria, Medieval fortress in Castelsardo, Italy
Castello dei Doria is a castle sitting on a limestone ridge overlooking the Gulf of Asinara on Sardinia's northern coast. Thick defensive walls and watchtowers rise above the Mediterranean, creating a fortress structure that dominates the view from the town below.
The Doria family, powerful merchant traders from Genoa, built this fortress in 1102 to defend shipping routes along the Sardinian coast. This construction was part of a larger defensive strategy against pirates and competing naval powers in the Mediterranean.
Inside the castle, a museum displays traditional basket weaving and local crafts that show how Sardinian artisans have worked for centuries. Visitors can see examples of these handmade pieces and understand their importance to local identity.
A path leads up from the street below to the fortress, which is somewhat steep but walkable for most visitors. There is little shade at the top, so visiting in early morning or late afternoon is more comfortable.
From the towers, medieval guards could watch three different bays and spot ships approaching from far away. This strategic location allowed traders to control shipping and warn the town of pirates long before they arrived.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
