Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate

The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate, known locally as the Duomo di Alghero, is a significant Roman Catholic church located in the historic center of Alghero, Sardinia. It serves as the seat of the Bishop of Alghero-Bosa. Although Alghero became a diocesan seat in 1503, construction of the cathedral did not begin until 1567. The church was inaugurated in an unfinished state in 1593 and finally consecrated in 1730 following several restorations.

The building features a distinctive mix of architectural styles. The presbytery, five chapels, ambulatory, and the octagonal base of the bell tower are built in the Catalan-Gothic style, reflecting the city’s Catalan heritage. In contrast, the nave and two aisles exhibit Late Renaissance characteristics. A notable feature is the main altar, designed by Genovese artist Giuseppe Massetti in 1727, which displays a sculpture of Mary the Immaculate flanked by angels. Massetti also designed the ambulatory and pulpit. In 1862, a Neo-Classical narthex was added to the façade, altering its original appearance.

Visitors can explore the interior to appreciate the marble altar in the first chapel on the right, inaugurated in 1824 and housed within a circular temple structure reminiscent of the Temple of Vesta in Rome. While specific opening hours and admission fees are not detailed in the provided research, the cathedral is generally open to the public. It is advisable to check local listings for mass times, as access may be restricted during services. The cathedral offers a profound insight into Alghero’s religious and artistic history, complementing visits to other landmarks such as the city walls and the Grotto of Neptune.