We cross the Duomo's small square, where we can see the front of the cathedral, dedicated to St. Mary, with a richly decorated apse and octagonal bell-tower inspired by the best examples of the late Catalan-Gothic period and constructed between 1562 and 1579.
At Principe Umberto street n.11, you will find the interesting "casa Doria" from the XVI Century with its renaissance-styled facade and gothic windows.  Just beyond it is Curia Palace, the headquarters of the Episcopal archives unified with the capitulary ones of the St. Mary church.  At the end of the street is the Mercy Church.  Another important church is dedicated to St. Michael and is near Ginnasio Square.
Past the Carlo Alberto street intersection, you will come across one of the most interesting buildings of Catalan culture in Sardinia.  The church complex, convent and St. Francis' cloister, was constructed in the first part of the 1300's and partially reconstructed at the end of the 1500's following its collapse in 1593, and finally restored in the XVIII Century.  It was founded by the St. Francis convent monks who settled in Alghero prior to 1330 and who are still present today.
Surrounded by water on three sides, the "old city" of Alghero, centre of its traditions and customs, seems to be  held captive again - not by the Spanish who once dominated the city for some 360 years, but by the very people who love the city so dearly.
There are many interesting events in Alghero that demonstrate this region's rich tradition.  New Year's Eve is the most interesting one.  The huge festival includes entertainment in the main square, fireworks, thousands of participants and lots of fun.
Another significant period is the Holy Week celebrated for centuries in Alghero and originating from the Catalan tradition dating back to the XVI Century. 

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