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Europe Italy Alghero Do & See Roman Villa of Saint Imbenia

Overview

Roman Villa of Saint Imbenia

The guide was updated: 2024-09-12

Located in the Porto Conte bay, this Nuragic site, discovered as recently as the 1980s, held some of the most amazing archaeological findings on the island of Sardinia, including Greek and Phoenician ceramics. A testament to the region's culture and history, this site makes for an interesting visit.

Useful Information

Address: Complesso di Sant'Imbenia

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Cathedral of St Mary the Immaculate

Cathedral of St Mary the Immaculate

The 16th-century Duomo is mainly Catalan-Gothic and Renaissance, although you wouldn’t guess that from its Doric-columned frontage. Inside are peach-coloured walls, 18th-century chapels, and impressive Baroque marble balustrades before the statue-filled high altar.

Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art

Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art

This art museum is located in the former Rosario church, next to the Cathedral, and it is the ideal setting for an array of priceless religious art. They also showcase African sacred paintings and artworks.

Torre di Porta Terra

Torre di Porta Terra

The tower — the remains of the main land gate entrance into the old city — houses a bookshop on the ground floor. Upstairs, touch screens provide a virtual journey through Alghero’s history, and a top floor terrace offers panoramic city and harbour views.

Church of San Francesco

Church of San Francesco

Chiesa de San Fransesco is an enchanting, lovingly restored 14th-century church with a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and late Renaissance styles. It also provides a tranquil cloister where summer concerts are held.

Piazza Civica

Piazza Civica

If you walk through the Port a Mare (Sea Gate) from the harbour you will end up at this oblong, and often very crowded, piazza. It is overseen by the grand, late-medieval Catalan façade of the Palazzo d’Albis.

Neptune's Grotto

Neptune's Grotto

Tour boats leave the harbour for Capo Caccia and the amazing Neptune caves, with 20m-long stalagmite and stalactite formations decorating a cave lake. Alternatively, take the bus to Capo Caccia and negotiate the steep and dramatic 656 steps down to the caves, and then climb back up again!

Nuraghe Palmavera

Nuraghe Palmavera

This is the ruins of a nuraghe (stone tower) village dating from 1500 BC. This is one of the most important historical sites on Sardinia and here you can see the central limestone tower and remnants of circular dwellings.

Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju

Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju

This necropolis from pre-nuragic times is located 9 km from the town of Alghero. 37 tombs, some of them decorated with bull's heads can be visited here. Just 1 km from the ruins, you can visit a small museum, Museo e Tenuta Vitivinicola, which shows replicas of some of the findings.

La Pelosa Beach

La Pelosa Beach

La Pelosa Beach in the fishing village of Stintino is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, maybe the most beautiful of them all, so while you're on Sardinia you shouldn't miss this gem. It is located about an hour from Alghero, so pack a picnic and let this be a day-trip.

Bosa

Bosa

Bosa is a small romantic town on the west coast of Sardinia about one hour from Alghero. Stroll down the narrow streets among the pastel coloured houses. On one side of the town you will find a majestic beach and on the other side a river. The ride itself from Alghero along the sea is already worth it.

Castelsardo

Castelsardo

Besides visiting the famous Elephant Rock, be sure to enjoy the delicacies of this Medieval town. In the winter, make sure to try the seasonal speciality — spaghetti with sea urchin and in the summer time, lobster is the dish to order. Castelsardo is located about 70 km north of Alghero.

Wine Resort Ledà d'Ittiri

Wine Resort Ledà d'Ittiri

On the 18 hectares of Azienda Agricola Leda' d'Ittiri, grapes and olives are grown. The landlady is more than happy to take guests around the estate to show the plants and then give them the possibility to try the wines and the olives.

Le Ragnatele Adventure Park

Le Ragnatele Adventure Park

This outdoor adventure park is a fun visit for both adults and children. With total security, you will get the chance to transfer yourself between hanging platforms in the trees. Steel cables, Tibetan bridges, cable cars, ropes and ladders will test your courage.

Le Bombarde Beach

Le Bombarde Beach

Just a short bike ride from Alghero, you find this beach with all amenities one might need, such as toilets, restaurants, sunbeds for rent and plenty of sports and activities. You can easily spend a sunny day here.

Coral Museum

Coral Museum

Alghero is known for its red coral, and here at the small Coral Museum you can watch an exhibition on the history of the old tradition where they harvest these water plants. The corals are then used for making unique jewellery, that you can find everywhere on the island.

Diving

Diving

The water around Sardinia is crystal clear and is perfect for diving. Dive down beneath the surface and explore the marine life together with wrecks dating from Roman times as well as both World Wars. Located within the Marina of Porto Conte is an exclusive diving centre, Diving Porto Conte, which has 300 berths. Facilities here include a pizza restaurant and bar, well-equipped bathrooms and hot showers, and ample parking spaces.

Motocross Track Sardinia–Alghero

Motocross Track Sardinia–Alghero

For motorcycle racing lovers, this place is recommended. They organize motorcycle competitions and events here and they even offer motocross courses for those interested to learn the sport.

Mugoni Beach

Mugoni Beach

This long and sheltered beach is very popular among both tourists and locals. With its crystal clear water and white sand it is also very beautiful. Some of the services you find here include boat hiring and sunbeds, and for those who wish to spend more than one day here there are also hotels close by.

Walls & Bastions of Alghero

Walls & Bastions of Alghero

The imposing 16th-century walls that surrounded the city are still largely intact, and provide a stunning backdrop to the whole city, especially along the seafront. The ramparts, called bastioni, house numerous restaurants, bars, cafes and shops, which are great for a drink at sunset in the evening breeze.

Church of Saint Michael

Church of Saint Michael

The Chiesa di San Michele is easily recognisable for the colourful tile pattern of its dome, which showcases the island's Catalan influences. It is located on Via Carlo Alberto, the main thoroughfare in the Centro Storico.

Maddalena Fort & Tower

Maddalena Fort & Tower

Forte della Maddalena, a fortification that makes up part of the city walls, once overlooked the marina. Today only bits of it remain, but these bits are still impressive and imposing. Be sure to visit and catch a glimpse of what the city's old defences once looked like.

Palace of Albis

Palace of Albis

The Palazzo d'Albis is a beautiful 16th century palace located in the north of the old town and a fabulous example of Aragonese architecture. It was the residence of Emperor Charles V, and is has been well preserved until today.

Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte

Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte

The bay of Porto Conte is home to a natural reserve full of breathtaking vistas and natural wonders. From the limestone cliffs of Punta Giglio and Capo Caccia to countless hills, creeks and plains, the reserve is a nature lover's dream, with plenty of opportunities to hike, explore, bird watch, and much more.

Lake Baratz

Lake Baratz

Located just a short ride from Alghero is Lake Baratz, Sardinia's only natural fresh water lake. The location is stunning, near Porto Ferro bay and surrounded by lush forests and plenty of wildlife. Swim, hike or catch a glimpse of some elusive and beautiful migratory birds.

Roman Villa of Saint Imbenia

Roman Villa of Saint Imbenia

Located in the Porto Conte bay, this Nuragic site, discovered as recently as the 1980s, held some of the most amazing archaeological findings on the island of Sardinia, including Greek and Phoenician ceramics. A testament to the region's culture and history, this site makes for an interesting visit.

Alghero City Archaeological Museum (MŪSA)

Alghero City Archaeological Museum (MŪSA)

The Museo Archeologico della Città takes visitors on a journey through the long and fascinating history of the area, from pre-historic records, through the Nuraghic period, to more recent historical developments in the Phoenician and Roman periods. History and archaeology buffs will not want to miss these exhibits.

Museum Casa Manno

Museum Casa Manno

The Museum Casa Manno gives visitors a taste of a more recent history, the 18th and 19th centuries, through the life of historian and Alghero native Guiseppe Manno. The exposition's 11 rooms take you through interactive multimedia displays and exhibits, making it engaging for children as well.

Pia Maria Beach

Pia Maria Beach

This great beach is well within reach from the city centre, which makes it very popular in the summer months, though it never gets too crowded to enjoy. There are sun beds for rent, as well as plenty of facilities like restaurants, cafes and shops, everything you might need for a day at the beach.

Splash Aquapark

Splash Aquapark

This innovative aquapark is located not adjacent to, but IN the ocean. The attractions consist of rides, mazes, catapults and much more, that offer children and adults alike the chance to let loose and enjoy themselves. There is also a pet area and a restaurant on shore.

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