Active holidays: Exploring the castle ruins of Acquafredda

Only 30 km away from Cagliari in the south of Sardinia and easily reachable by car we recommend to visit the castle ruins of Acquafredda, located on a characteristic hill near the village of Siliqua. Although security reasons inhibit the exploration of the castle, the wide panoramic view from the top of the hill is always worth a visit.

Trekking in Sardinia: Visit the castle ruins of Acquafredda

The Acquafredda castle, not far away from Cagliari, is mentioned for the first time in 1215 and gained notority because of the Pisan nobleman Ugolino della Gherardesca, count of Donoratico, who was Sardinian governor in 1252. He features prominently in Dante Alghieri’s Divine Comedy being accused to had eaten his sons when starving to death together in prison.

Once paid the ticket at the base of the hill, the excursions starts directly at the parking place and goes uphill through a dense Mediterranean vegetation. At the beginning on a zig-zag path, later when it becomes more steep over steps and planks (especially in low season when it can be wet we recommend to wear hiking boats or sneakers!). At a high of 154 m is located the 1st defensive wall of the castle Acquafredda, which propably was enforced by three towers. On an altitude of 200 m are situated the ruins of another tower. Here a staircase gives access to a cistern in the basement.

The last meters before reaching the top of the hill at 256 m are steep and the path is secured by ropes and handrails. Reaching the top the impressive castle ruins on the left side dominates the site. The path continues and leads to a low tower on the right side: the wooden stage of this tower is an ideal place to relax with some sandwiches and refreshing drinks meanwhile admiring the beautiful panoramic view.

Information

In winter and spring the site is open from Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. (time table can vary). The ticket for adults is 4 Euro and 3,50 Euro for children 3 (6-13 years).

Web: http://www.castellodiacquafredda.it/, only in Italian language.
GPS-coordinates: 39° 15′ 49.86″, 8° 49′ 1.88″

Text and photo: SardiniaNatour