The Lovely Sardinian Town Of Sassari

Sassari is Sardinia's sprawling second city; a cultured, bustling university town that can seem a little drab or scruffy at first but which is home to some spectacular surprises.

Once you navigate through the areas of urban sprawl with less personality, you'll find lovely spots to eat and drink, galleries and stores you'll find nowhere else and, at the centre, a historic Old Town that charms.

Medieval alleys, busy piazzas that are alive with the sound of daily life, stunning churches and grand palazzi all await. Once you have found a vacation rental in Sardinia and are planning your itinerary for your trip, be sure to include a visit to Sassari.

The main city in northern Sardinia, Sassari was already inhabited in prehistoric times, as evidenced by wonderful archaeological discoveries such as the Nuraghic complex of Monte d’Accoddi a grand megalithic altar that evokes ancient Mesopotamian temples.

Since those early days, subsequent historical periods have all left their mark on the city and are clearly visible as a patchwork of ideas, eras and cultural gems.

Some of the most notable monuments are the Cathedral of San Nicola di Bari, the churches of Santa Maria di Betlem and Sant’Apollinare and the lovely Parco di Monserrato, a well-tended historical green oasis with varied plant life on the outskirts of the city.

If you are planning a visit to the city, one of the best times to go to Sassari is on the 14th and 15th of August. It is during these two days that the city's biggest festival of the year takes place, the Candelieri. This traditional religious celebration consists of a procession of nine huge wooden candles. They are carried on the shoulders of a group of people in a procession, along the city’s streets, in a long colourful parade. According to legend, this is done every year to honour a promise made to the Vergine Assunta, or Madonna, who is said to have saved the city from the plague. Easter rituals are also important and celebrated with gusto, as is the Cavalcata Sarda. Held on the penultimate Sunday in May, it involves a long procession of traditional costumes from all over Sardinia, followed by horsemanship displays in the afternoon.

Steeped in history and tradition but still vibrant and alive, Sassari is a perfect town that combines fun, adventure and an authentic experience in Italy.