Alghero was designated as a diocesan seat in 1503 but construction work on the cathedral did not begin until 1567. It was inaugurated in 1593 but was not finished. After several restorations it was consecrated in 1730. The church was originally in
Catalan-
Gothic style, as can be seen in the five chapels and
ambulatory of the presbytery, which also includes the octagonal base of the bell tower. The nave and the two aisles are however in Late Renaissance style. The main altar was designed by the Genovese artist
Giuseppe Massetti (1727): the sculpture shows Mary the Immaculate flanked by angels. He also designed the ambulatory and the
pulpit. In 1862 a
Neo-Classical narthex was added to the façade, which dramatically changed its appearance. The first chapel on the right side is dedicated to the
Blessed Sacrament. Its imposing, marble altar was inaugurated in 1824. It is located inside a circular temple, reminding the
Temple of Vesta in Rome. The cathedral is the burial site of the Italian-born
Duke of Montferrat (1762-1799) and his brother
Count of Asti (1766-1802) who died on the island having caught
malaria. The marble mausoleum was sculpted by
Felice Festa in the early 19th century. == Gallery ==