![Piazza Civica (Civic Square), Alghero](/img/gd_attr/41780.jpg)
Piazza Civica (Civic Square), Alghero (must see)
Civic Square is a prominent and historic square situated near the Port of Alghero. As one of the largest and most significant squares in the city, it serves as a central hub connecting the harbor to the winding streets of the Old Town. The square is historically notable as the site where Holy Roman Emperor Charles V delivered a rousing speech before Sardinian forces embarked to combat the Turks. Today, it remains a vibrant focal point of Alghero’s centro storico.
The square is home to the striking Palazzo d'Albis, formerly the governor’s palace, now hosting the charming Caffè Costantino. This 16th-century café offers a perfect spot to enjoy an espresso or meal while people-watching from its terrace. The Piazza Civica is surrounded by a blend of Spanish and Italian architectural elements, with stone houses featuring tiny wrought-iron balconies and wooden shutters. Walking across its ancient cobblestones, visitors can appreciate the well-preserved historical ambiance.
Adjacent to the square is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, located just beyond the Piazza Duomo. The cathedral offers a respite from the sun and provides a chance to climb its bell tower for panoramic views of the blue bay and the city’s terra-cotta roofs. The nearby Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, which remains open into the evening, features an impressive collection of silver relics, wooden sculptures, and religious paintings.
In the evenings, Piazza Civica transforms into a lively space for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a sweet treat from the gelateria, join the passeggiata—a cherished Italian tradition of an evening stroll—or savor a typical Sardinian meal at one of the local restaurants. With its pedestrian-only access, Piazza Civica is best reached on foot from Porta a Mare, and visitors are advised to explore early or late to avoid the summer crowds and fully experience its historic charm.
The square is home to the striking Palazzo d'Albis, formerly the governor’s palace, now hosting the charming Caffè Costantino. This 16th-century café offers a perfect spot to enjoy an espresso or meal while people-watching from its terrace. The Piazza Civica is surrounded by a blend of Spanish and Italian architectural elements, with stone houses featuring tiny wrought-iron balconies and wooden shutters. Walking across its ancient cobblestones, visitors can appreciate the well-preserved historical ambiance.
Adjacent to the square is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, located just beyond the Piazza Duomo. The cathedral offers a respite from the sun and provides a chance to climb its bell tower for panoramic views of the blue bay and the city’s terra-cotta roofs. The nearby Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, which remains open into the evening, features an impressive collection of silver relics, wooden sculptures, and religious paintings.
In the evenings, Piazza Civica transforms into a lively space for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a sweet treat from the gelateria, join the passeggiata—a cherished Italian tradition of an evening stroll—or savor a typical Sardinian meal at one of the local restaurants. With its pedestrian-only access, Piazza Civica is best reached on foot from Porta a Mare, and visitors are advised to explore early or late to avoid the summer crowds and fully experience its historic charm.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Alghero. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Piazza Civica (Civic Square) on Map
Sight Name: Piazza Civica (Civic Square)
Sight Location: Alghero, Italy (See walking tours in Alghero)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Alghero, Italy (See walking tours in Alghero)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Alghero, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Alghero
Creating your own self-guided walk in Alghero is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Alghero's Old Palaces
Alghero, a historical gem on the northwest coast of Sardinia, is home to some of Italy's most significant architectural monuments. This is evident in the city's remarkable collection of old palaces, showcasing narratives that span centuries.
Carcassona Palace, dating back to the mid-1400s, stands out with its mix of influences from Valencia, Naples, Palermo, and Sardinia. A former... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Carcassona Palace, dating back to the mid-1400s, stands out with its mix of influences from Valencia, Naples, Palermo, and Sardinia. A former... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Alghero Introduction Walking Tour
Alghero, a charming coastal town in Sardinia, Italy, is a unique historical place where the Sardinian and Catalan cultures united.
The area’s history stretches back way before Christian times. The Phoenicians arrived here in the 8th century BC, establishing a metalworking settlement called Saint Imbenia.
Later, this strategic Mediterranean location attracted the Genoese Doria family, who... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
The area’s history stretches back way before Christian times. The Phoenicians arrived here in the 8th century BC, establishing a metalworking settlement called Saint Imbenia.
Later, this strategic Mediterranean location attracted the Genoese Doria family, who... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles