Ancient lemon trees and trellised vines, just like centuries past; times that have left behind the breath and signs of the noble ancestors of this garden.
It was the noble house of the distinguished Aragonese, that gave us ‘Mirador’, the golden corner from which you can look out over the sea.
Through the eyes of a golden mask, you can see the time spent by valorous leaders, great kings and mythical characters in this corner of the earth, a unique ambiance that still retains these ancient sensations.
A trip into the history of Alghero, from when it was first founded, to the renaissance period, passes through the Spanish domination of the Aragonese Kings, up to the visit of emperor Carlos V to the town.
In this little niche of the Ancient Centre, behind the Marco Polo bastion walls, you can try Rubio wine, the House nectar, and dine on the most ancient recipes of the conquerors.
Anyone who comes to the bastions from the new town, follows the old pathways, which have recently been restored to their ancient splendour, up to the entrance to the ‘Fortezza del Sole’.
This name, meaning ‘Fortress of the Sun’, gives a perfect portrayal of the exclusive character of this area.The story, told amongst the secular wine-jars and the casks of red nectar, starts back in 1354, when Peter IV of Aragon conquered ‘Alguer’: the memory is fixed into the highest wall of the garden, by the royal signets engraved onto the sandstone blocks, and together with these, the coats of arms of ‘Alguer’, of Spain and of the Four Moors.
A fountain built into the wall dominates the scene, as if to remind us of the historic relics that arrived on the Andalusian land.Perhaps it was a prestigious gift, to be shown in this courtyard paved with stone laid in a design that extends amongst squares and rhombus, all the way to the entrance driveway, where they are divided by pebbles.
All this topped with metal covering originating from the industrial age, when metal constructions decorated European cities, thus leaving the indelible signs of the passing of an era spent on conquests and heroic campaigns.
The art nouveau covering makes the ancient tenor in which the foreign and the historic triumphed, a little less dramatic.A stairway attached to the retaining wall, leads us to belvedere, a panoramic point where we can find the real ‘Mirador’ or ‘golden watch point’.From here, sat close to a glass of something delightful, you can enjoy the most romantic sunset ever.
Appetising aromas from the kitchen, invite us to sit back down, and enjoy the fresh and assorted fish dishes, amidst the relaxing atmosphere that this place provides.
Carefully chosen game, or other genuine local products, are cooked using traditional methods, and enriched with oriental spices, just as used to happen on the galleons and carracks that left from here to go on to richer lands.
The beauty of the memory is at the base ofevery tale, and the beauty of Mirador is enriched by the esteemed nobility of this covered abode, which has been transformed into a welcoming galley, where you can sip hot oriental drinks and wines that have just been tapped from the casks.
The extremely elegant fortress bar can be seen from the secular chestnut mezzanine floor above, which characterises it as a typical environment of Moorish Spain.Hand-painted ceramic decorations: Azulejos, are the strong piece of the Vizir decoration.Furniture that tells historic tales, and other pieces that distinguish themselves for their different style, petite liberty-style tables furnish the small room, together with a bookcase full of texts about the Catalan culture.
The walls are painted in elegant, sober colours, and provide the backdrop for two pendant portraits, typical of the period, in which the nobility paid great artists to paint them, thus immortalising them in the memory of their successors.In this décor, homage is paid to Carlos V during a military parade, and to his wife Isabella of Portugal, both painted by Tiziano.
Both those simply passing through Alghero, and those who live here all year round, can proudly enjoy this place, it is well worth it.