Bosa, Alghero

The most scenic route to Bosa, on the north-west coast of Sardinia, Italy, is the 25-mile coastal road that runs from Alghero, hugging the mountains to one side, on the other offering superb views of the often rocky shore hundreds of feet below and of the sea. Bosa lies around two miles inland, wrapped around the River Temo, the only major Sardinian city situated on a river. Its position, allied with its medieval old town, its monuments and its wide, sandy beaches, make it an immensely appealing town and in summer it attracts crowds of tourists. To the east of Bosa, the walled ruins of the 12th century Malaspina Castle – also known as Serravalle Castle – sit atop the hill and look down on the town. The old town, Sa Costa, is on the north bank of the Temo and clings to the side of the hill. Below it lies Bosa’s main thoroughfare, Piazza Constituzione, running past the Cathedral and becoming Corso Vittorio Emanuele as it heads west into the new town. Opposite the Cathedral, the picturesque Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) crosses the river to the south bank, from where Via Nazionale runs two miles westwards, following the river to the beach. The castle’s walls and towers still dominate Bosa despite having seen better days. Its grounds hold a small chapel, the Church of Our Lady of Regnos Altos, which houses a marvellous collection of 14th century frescoes depicting various saints. The castle can be reached by virtually every road that leads away from the warren of alleys in the old town. Staying in the old town, the Cathedral of the Immaculate in Piazza del Duomo is a rare example of rococo architecture in Sardinia property, resulting from the 18th century restoration of the previous 16th century edifice. From here, Corso Vittorio Emanuele takes you towards the sea, passing a group of elegant 16th century houses with grand balconies. Along this road is situated Casa Deriu, an impressive building that houses a museum. Its first floor has an exhibition dedicated to the tanning industry, important in this part of Sardinia, while the floor above is an elegant reconstruction of the original 19th century interior. On the northern fringes of Sa Costa one finds the Carmine Church, situated in the piazza of the same name and built around the same time as the cathedral. Fishing boats are still moored on the river by Ponte Vecchio. On the other side of the bridge lie the town’s old 18th century tanneries, still in operation until just after the Second World War. Today they stand as a testament to Bosa’s cultural heritage. Close by stands the Sant’Antonio Abate Church, which stages various festivals, including the carnival. The carnival is easily the most spectacular of Bosa’s street fiestas. Staged in February, it is launched with a bonfire in front of the church and is followed in subsequent days by a variety of parades and bawdy songs. Yet despite the town’s historic and cultural appeal, few visitors can resist its large sandy beaches of Bosa Marina, overlooked by the giant Spanish watchtower, the Torre dell’Isola Rossa. In high season the beaches tend to be packed with swimmers, sunbathers and windsurfers. Found this article interesting? Then visit our Sardinia page to see our stunning range of houses and apartments in Sardinia.