Coral Museum Alghero’s extremely intere- sting Coral Museum tells the story of the economy and bio- logy of this red gold that’s mi- ned from the sea. The ways coral has been collected over the years and the role it played in local craft traditi- ons is illustrated using infor- mation panels and exhibits that include coral jewellery. The museum occupies an ele- gant Art Nouveau mansion that was created specifica - lly to tell the story of the iden- tity and strong connection that has always united the ci- ty and coral. This is a fascina- ting journey into the history of the red heart of Alghero, it - self a precious gift of the Me- diterranean. The Coral Muse- um provides visitors with an opportunity to explore topics like the history, biology and lo - cal economy created through the processing of this valua- ble element, which is consi - dered the real source of this community’s wealth. Gems and jewellery with roots in the depths of the sea embody a deep connection that keeps alive the city’s tradition. Capo Caccia From the walls of Alghero one can observe a beautiful 19 th -century lighthouse that re- mains active to this day. Bu- ilt in 1864 to overlook the sea from the top of Capo Ca- ccia cape, it is directly abo - ve Neptune’s Grotto, to which it is connected by a staircase of 656 steps that’s known as the Escala de Cabirol - Stair - case of the Roe Deer. The whi - te lighthouse is a three-storey structure that’s protected by an anti-lightning Faraday cage. Its 24-metre-tall tower, which was rebuilt in the 1950s, brin - gs the height of the focal point to 186 metres, making it Italy’s tallest lighthouse.
Neptune’s Grotto You can reach one of the area’s most beautiful caves, rich in natural jewellery, eit - her on foot or by boat. If you opt to walk there, you’ll need to conquer approximately 600 steps, but you’ll soon forget the effort thanks to the beau- tiful view of the turquoise sea and the contrast between red rocks and restless waters. Just a few kilometres from Al- ghero, on the northwestern slope of Capo Caccia, a mar - vellous journey begins in a lar - ge cave that contains the wa- ters of Lake Lamarmora, one of Europe’s largest subterra - nean saltwater lakes, and con - tinues through mesmerising spaces that have been gi- ven names like the Ruins and the magnificent Royal Palace. A little further on is the Smi-
th Room, which is domina - ted by the Great Organ – the cave’s largest column, whi - le you can complete your tour by enjoying the view from the Music Gallery, a natural pano - ramic balcony offering views overlooking the lake. Beaches Alghero’s coastline is famo- us for its towers and rampar- ts. Walking the seafront is a wonderful way to familiari- se yourself with the remains of past wars and bygone ci- vilisations. From the Phoeni- cians and Romans to the Ca - talans, they all provided new forms by constantly adap- ting the towers to better re- sist sea-borne attacks. The ci- ty is nonetheless surrounded by sprawling white sand bea-
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