Palazzo del Pou Salit (Palace of the Salty Well), Alghero
The Palace of the Salty Well derives its name from a local well, known as "Pou" in the local dialect, where women historically gathered to prepare bread dough. This name pays homage to the building's past as a focal point of communal activity. The current structure is a result of combining several architecturally diverse buildings over the years. Originally, it included the residence of the Airaldi Genoese family on one side and part of a church basement from the 1700s on the other, which was annexed to the Cathedral and demolished after World War II.
Architecturally, the Palace of the Salty Well is a blend of styles that reflect its historical layers. Restoration efforts uncovered some Gothic-Catalan elements, particularly on the right side of the façade. Notably, a pointed arch window on the ground floor, now walled up, and a distinctive mullioned window with arches in the middle section showcase Catalan architectural influences. These features are reminiscent of similar designs found in the Hispanic region, such as the episcopal building in Girona.
Today, the palace serves as university offices, continuing to play a role in the community. The building's rich history and architectural complexity make it an important landmark in Alghero's urban landscape. Opposite the Palazzo are the remnants of Casa Manno, the birthplace of Giuseppe Manno, a notable Algherese jurist. Although Casa Manno was demolished in the 1990s, its historical significance remains, particularly its Gothic-Renaissance style evident in the building's decorative elements.
Architecturally, the Palace of the Salty Well is a blend of styles that reflect its historical layers. Restoration efforts uncovered some Gothic-Catalan elements, particularly on the right side of the façade. Notably, a pointed arch window on the ground floor, now walled up, and a distinctive mullioned window with arches in the middle section showcase Catalan architectural influences. These features are reminiscent of similar designs found in the Hispanic region, such as the episcopal building in Girona.
Today, the palace serves as university offices, continuing to play a role in the community. The building's rich history and architectural complexity make it an important landmark in Alghero's urban landscape. Opposite the Palazzo are the remnants of Casa Manno, the birthplace of Giuseppe Manno, a notable Algherese jurist. Although Casa Manno was demolished in the 1990s, its historical significance remains, particularly its Gothic-Renaissance style evident in the building's decorative elements.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Alghero. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Palazzo del Pou Salit (Palace of the Salty Well) on Map
Sight Name: Palazzo del Pou Salit (Palace of the Salty Well)
Sight Location: Alghero, Italy (See walking tours in Alghero)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Alghero, Italy (See walking tours in Alghero)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Alghero, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Alghero
Creating your own self-guided walk in Alghero is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Alghero's Old Palaces
Alghero, a historical gem on the northwest coast of Sardinia, is home to some of Italy's most significant architectural monuments. This is evident in the city's remarkable collection of old palaces, showcasing narratives that span centuries.
Carcassona Palace, dating back to the mid-1400s, stands out with its mix of influences from Valencia, Naples, Palermo, and Sardinia. A former... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Carcassona Palace, dating back to the mid-1400s, stands out with its mix of influences from Valencia, Naples, Palermo, and Sardinia. A former... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Alghero Introduction Walking Tour
Alghero, a charming coastal town in Sardinia, Italy, is a unique historical place where the Sardinian and Catalan cultures united.
The area’s history stretches back way before Christian times. The Phoenicians arrived here in the 8th century BC, establishing a metalworking settlement called Saint Imbenia.
Later, this strategic Mediterranean location attracted the Genoese Doria family, who... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
The area’s history stretches back way before Christian times. The Phoenicians arrived here in the 8th century BC, establishing a metalworking settlement called Saint Imbenia.
Later, this strategic Mediterranean location attracted the Genoese Doria family, who... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles