2016-05-08 Iride Guest House, Oristano to Hotel Alghero, Alghero, via Tharros and Bosa, Sardinia
The clock tower in the main square of OristanoOver the weekend, celebrations were happening all around the town centre, perhaps Mother’s had something to do with it!The 19th century Statue of Eleonora d’Arborea in the main square with the same name, in the Oristano city centreThe Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta with it’s original 12thC free standing belltowerAfter we left Oristano we travelled the short distance west to the ancient archaeological site of TharrosOn the point overlooking the water is a late 16th century watchtower called Torre di San GiovanniRic with the only standing ancient columns in the backgroundLots to see here at the ancient Tharros siteTharros was a thriving settlement in ancient times, first established by the Phoenicians in 730BCMany of the streets are still well intact and appear as they were in the past. The basalt streets were laid by the Romans in the 2nd and 3rd centuriesToday poppies and wildflowers nestle amoungst the ancient ruins
Two columns remain of what would have been a sunstantial building in it’s time overlooking the seaThe thermal baths would have been great on a cool day like today!Close to ancient Tharros is the 2nd oldest church in Sardinia, the 6th Century sandstone Chiesa di San GiovanniMarina Torre Grande at OristanoThe obvious Torre Grande near the marinaApproaching Sant Caterina di Pittinuri on the coast north of Oristano looks like a pleasant holiday areaHeading slightly inland to Cuglieri, on our way to Bosa, we just had to go and find the massive church on top of the hillAfter winding our way up narrow tiny streets of Cuglieri we find the silver domed Basilica di Santa Maria della NeveA wonderful view over the sea from the huge BasilicaFinding our way back down was an ordealNot to mention the narrow streets!!!Passing through TresnuraghesThen we approach the lovely area of Magomadas just before BosaWe finally arrive in the beautiful town of Bosa which is on the sea and the main part of the old town is built on River TemoBosa is one of the most attractive towns in SardiniaThe brightly coloured houses below the imposing stark castle can be seen from a distanceOur very helpful carpark officialThe delightful main street, Vittorio Emanuele Corso, of the beautiful old medieval townWe have a quick look around the town before continuing on to Alghero, as we plan to come back to Bosa with the boatA wonderful piazza where children can ride their bikes and play safely in the squareBefore continuing on we stock up on some natural honey sweetened nougat which is lovingly locally made in BosaThe coastline on the west coast of Sardinia is quite rugged and very spectacularWe chose the coastal road to Alghero which was a good choice Unusual rock formations cover the slopes of the mountainous coastApproaching the town of Alghero north of BosaAfter trying a few B & B’s that were booked out, we manage to get a room in Hotel Alghero for the nightOnce we check in we set off on foot to have a look around Alghero and find a restaurant for dinnerThe busy port area of AlgheroThe massive Argonese city walls dominate the townThe large main marina of AlgheroFor dinner we will try a restaurant along the seawallWe choose Macchiavello which has been around for many yearsThe friendly young waiter brings us some tasty baked spaghetti with seafood which is one of the popular dishes of the house!
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