Known to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Bosa, Sardinia counts no more than 8500 inhabitants, colourful buildings, a hilltop castle and a river flowing right through the village..
This post will highlight the things to do in Bosa and share some useful information to plan your trip. Before doing that, let me share a few historical facts.
About Bosa
According to the legend, Bosa - - was founded by Calmedia, daughter of Sardo, the eponymous hero of the early inhabitants of the island. Of Phoenician origins (although debatable!), Bosa, whose name is certified by an inscription that dates to 800b.C., developed during the Punic-Roman age. The area during the 11th century became the property of the Ligurian Malaspina §family that built their castle on Serravalle hill, where in 1112 rose the first core of the present centre of the town. After a short period under Giudici d'Arborea, Bosa with the Catale-Aragonese conquest, in 1330 was given in feud to the Catalan Pietro Ortiz. With Mariano IV, the town came back to Arborea and remained the property of this Sardinian family for about a century. Won back by Catalan-Aragonese, it became the property of Giovanni di Villamarì in 1468, and then became a royal property under the Spariard King Filippo II. When you go to Bosa through the old three-arches bridge, immediately you can see the Cathedral of Immacolata, with its characteristic little domes and a big bell tower. It's an important example of the Romanesque style. Inside there are three naves. The central one is covered by wood girders and the lateral naves by cross vaults, scanned from dividing arches. The facade shows arches decorate with high relieves representing the symbol of the four Evangelists. On the top of the portal are present the apostles Peter and Paul, the Madonna with child and St. Costantino de Castra who ordered the building of the first part of the Church. Very important also is, inside, the inscription dating back to the foundation of the cathedral.
Here starts the characteristic Vittorio Emanuele Avenue, the main street of Bosa, flanked with houses quite high with typical "important" balconies and lobbies.Going down the road you arrive at the little Church of the Rosario, with its characteristic projecting two-faced clock and a high bell tower. Then there is the Constitution Square in which there is a big marble fountain dating 1800 and the Santa Croce Church, decorated inside by Emilio Scherer.
In the town, you can admire the church of Nostra Signora del Carmelo, with a front in "Piedmontese late Baroque" style (built in 1779 on the ruins of the Church Nostra Signora del Soccorso) and near where the church of San Giovanni Battista, an example of the great value of Gothic Catalan style built in the XIV century.
Some other churches of Bosa are St Antonio Extra-muros in Gothic-Catalan style (XVI century) and the monastery "Cappuccini" with its Church Santa Maria degli Angeli.bOther ones are Santa Maria del Mare and Santa Teresina in the old town of Bosa, and St. Eligio, St. Martino, St. Cosma e Damiano, St. Giusta and St. Giorgio, St. Maria di Caravetta in the country near the city, open just one day at the year, during holy festivals.
In the open country, Basilica San Pietro extra Muros (probably the old cathedral of the Diocese of Bosa) and especially Malaspina Castle deserve a visit. The latter was built in 1112 (date discussed) and enlarged in 1300, when the big tower on its right side was erected in order to defend itself against the Aragonese invasion.
An area of the town that deserves a mention is also the "Sas conzas" quarter, the most significant architectonic complex of the Bosa of the nineteenth-century. It was the centre of a flourishing tan industry that ended in 1962 with the closure of the last company.In the territory of the municipality of Bosa you can find three different environments:- fluvial landscape, characterised by the presence of Temo river and its valley;- volcanic reliefs landscape, marked by volcanic mountain reliefs;- coastal area, rich in promontories and inlets
Malaspina Castle
http://www.castellodibosa.com/castellodibosa/
Built in 1112, at the time when the Malaspinas moved to Sardinia from Tuscany, there isn’t much of the original structure of the castle anymore – but the watchtowers and the walls are a nice sight, and so are the remains of the 14th century chapel, Nostra Signora di Regnos Altos, where you can admire a 14th century fresco of the lives of saints and martyrs such as St. Lawrence and St. Christopher.
Yet, I think that what makes it worth visiting is the incredible view you get from there.
The castle is open every day from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm. Admission is €4. Beware that during the winter months opening times are different, so you may want to call the number of the association managing the site to verify +39 340 395 5048 +39 329 850 507.
Browse the churches
For as small as it is, Bosa has a good concentration of beautiful churches, and you should make sure to visit at least one. I can only name a few churches in this post, but if visiting churches is your kind of thing, make sure to do a bit extra research and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
The Cathedral of Bosa was built in the 19th century over the remains of a Romanesque church. In Rococo style, the most admirable piece inside is the marble altar and the frescoes painted in the 19th century by Emilio Scherer.
Another nice church to visit is the one dedicated to Sant’Antonio the Abate located on the southern bank of Temo River, once you cross Ponte Vecchio turn left and walk along the bank of the Temo Sant’Antonio The church is rarely open – you can visit during Sant’Antonio Abate festival on 16 and 17 January and during Carnival. Unless you are in Bosa on one of those days, you will have to make do with taking a quick snap from the outside.
Finally, at about 2 km outside the village and walking upstream you will find San Pietro Extra Muros San Pietro church. This cathedral was built in 1073 and is among the oldest Romanesque-style churches on the island.
And the museums
Bosa has a couple of good museums you may want to visit. I am pointing out their opening times but do make sure to double-check that they are open if you are visiting in the winter months. You may want to call these numbers for more information +39 785 374 258 or +39 348 154 4724. There should always be someone able to speak at least some basic English.
https://goo.gl/maps/yc2Ycs8RscfEaJV1A
The best one if by far Museo Casa Deriu, located in a 19th century building and with a collection of local crafts. Each floor focuses on a different historical period. On the first floor you will find temporary exhibits; the second one is all about decor and contains original furnishing of Casa Deriu (the name of the building where the museum is located); the third floor is an art gallery and exhibit of paintings of Melkiorre Melis, one of Sardinia’s most acclaimed painters.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Admission is € 4.50 and includes a ticket to visit Pinacoteca Atza.
Another interesting museum in Bosa is the Museo delle Conce. It is located in the former tanneries (which were used until WWII) and it is meant to provide insights on how the tanneries work. You will see original stone tanks used to wash the leather and a photo exhibit illustrating the tanning process.
https://goo.gl/maps/1N554qy7cfyvD1qc8
The museum is every day from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Admission is €3.50.
Take a boat tour
Whether you want to visit the coves around Bosa, or would rather go along the river, you can do that in Bosa.
The Temo River is the only navigable river in Sardinia. A boat trip along the Temo usually starts from the estuary situated in Bosa Marina and reaches San Pietro Church and the remains of the Roman Bridge (where Bosa Vetus, the Roman city, used to be) after about 6 km. You will get to see Bosa from a different perspective; admire the old tanneries; the 19th century buildings surmounted by the Medieval district and the Malaspina castle.
Boat tours along the coast typically start in Bosa Marina and from there reach Capo Marrargiu, where you can visit a small cave. Along the way, you can see several small coves such as Cala Rapina, Cala ‘e Moros, S’Abba Druche, Torre Argentina, Tentizzos. You will be able to swim at Porto Managu and Cumpoltittu.
https://www.viator.com/tours/Sardinia/BOSA-TOUR-Capo-MARRARGIU-SNORKELING-excursion/d24293-107289P11
https://www.escursioneinbattello.it/
Go for a hike
The surroundings of Bosa offer great hiking and even birdwatching opportunities.
Locally from Porta Alabe beach car park climb up the cliff and walk along the cliff edge bring swimsuit and snorkelers as you will access a small cove ideal for cooling off. If you fancy continue to walk to Columbargia
https://goo.gl/maps/HfhZvg6Vvs8BQckP9
Punta Foghe
Punta Foghe is well worth a visit. The bluff appears with large cliffs and various islets. The solitary place opens out onto an enchanting sight of the sea and rocky cliffs. Departing from the seventeenth-century tower of the Foghe, along a path, a panoramic point is reached which overlooks the confluence of the Rio Mannu with the sea, the Spanish towers above the coves S'Ischia Ruggia and Columbargia and on the crags of Corona Niedda.
Climb down the cliff to a little secluded beach.
https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/en/explore/punta-foghe
https://goo.gl/maps/68uamrzm4hFFSm5r5
An easy hike is the one that goes to Managu beach, formed as a consequence of a volcanic eruption. If the weather is good, during the hike you might even get to see Capo Caccia in the distance.
https://goo.gl/maps/cSrQxqHVaUiZpLNt6
Another hike goes to Torre Argentina and departs from the parking lot located on the left side on SP49 on the way from Bosa to Alghero. The trail is mostly easy to follow and, crossing an area that reveals the (very old) volcanic origins of Sardinia, leads to a watchtower where you can enjoy a beautiful view.
https://goo.gl/maps/uMMeeQfBwhoMYrBh6
Riserva naturale di Badde Aggiosu, Marrargiu e Monte Mannu
Capo
https://goo.gl/maps/vR77fD1CbfaRCDCA8
At this point, it is important to mention the Nature Reserve of Badde Aggiosu, Marrargiu, and Mannu Mountain and the Biomarine Park of Marrargiu Cape.
The Nature Reserve of Badde Aggiosu, Marrargiu and Mannu Montain has a great national and European faunal importance because of the presence of the biggest group of griffon vultures over the national territory (80% of the national population). Moreover, other avifaunal species like the real kite, the golden eagle, the Bonelli eagle and the peregring hawk can be found.
The Biomarine Park of Capo Marrargiu includes the stretch between the mouth of the Temo and the little island of Sa Pagliosa.
It is important to mention the rich presence of birdlife that includes aquatic birds, like the Corsican gull, the kingfisher and the cormorant, and raptors like the griffon, the peregring hawk, the golden eagle, the real kite.
One of the more interesting stretches of the coast from the naturalistic point of view is around Marrargiu Cape. Seabed’s, characterized by the presence of canyons and caves up to the depth of 50-60 metres, are rich in diversified ichthyic fauna. Moreover, the presence of the monk seal, threatened by world-wide extinction deserves particular attention The seabed around Capo Marrargiu is rich in coral, that goldsmiths of Bosa use to create precious jewels.
Casteddu Etzu
Spectacular views across the local area
http://www.sardegnacultura.it/j/v/253?s=17897&v=2&c=2465&c1=2635&visb=&t=1
Monte Entu
Boloana