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The Museum of Mediterranean Weaving (MIM) in Castelsardo is situated within the village’s picturesque medieval castle, the Castello dei Doria. The castle was built in the 12th century by the noble Genoese Doria family as a military stronghold and still dominates the landscape of this charming village.
The Museum aims to preserve the ancient tradition of hand-woven baskets. It houses a wide variety of artefacts, woven from plant fibres sourced from Sardegna and other Mediterranean countries. It is unique in its kind due to the scale of its exhibition and the distinctive nature of the museum tour. It also boasts a marvellous view, visible from the top of its ramparts.
The tradition of basket-weaving is of strategic importance in the village of Castelsardo. Local elders recount that during hard times, such as wars, people were able to earn a living thanks to these baskets, which were used for gathering and storing grain, bread and other provisions. They were therefore a sought-after commodity, providing work and sustenance for the population.
As you wander through the characteristic streets of the old town, you’ll see the baskets on display near the doors of shops and workshops – colourful, decorated and in a wide variety of shapes. In modern times, they have become original, designer pieces of décor.
Photo by larrywkoester on Visual Hunt
Explore the culture and nature of Northern Sardinia: places to discover, local dishes, traditions and stories from the region.
‘Domus de Janas’ is a Sardinian expression meaning ‘house of the fairies’. Legends tell of beings that are not particularly spiritual – demons, somewhere between human and divine.
Sardegna has a wine-making tradition stretching back thousands of years; the earliest evidence of wine-making dates as far back as 1400 BC.
There is a story linked to the island of Tavolara which tells that King Carlo Alberto of Savoy appointed his only son as king of the island.
The Ludurru necropolis is situated in Buddusò, and the domus de janas date back to 3200–2800 BC, famous examples of the Sardegna Neolithic period
The Neptune Caves are spectacular caves dating back to prehistoric times. They are located at Alghero, in Northern Sardinia
The Church of St Francis in Alghero is one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic architecture in Sardegna
