A weekend not to be forgotten
On Saturday 23 November, a group of 40 Unitre members left by bus for Sassari, Porto Torres and Alghero. The atmosphere is full of enthusiasm, a prelude to a weekend in places rich in art and natural beauty. The three hours of travel pass serenely thanks to the expectation of the experiences that await them.
First stage: Sassari
The first stop is in Sassari, where the group visits the Pinacoteca, housed in the suggestive former Jesuit college of Canopoleno. This historic 16th century building houses a collection of works that tell centuries of art, from the Italian and European schools of the Middle Ages to the mid-20th century, with a focus on Sardinian artists of the early 20th century. Among the best known, Giuseppe Biasi fascinates visitors with works that celebrate Sardinia and his travels in North Africa. There is no shortage of masterpieces by artists such as Nivola, Maria Lai and many other island masters, which make the visit a beautiful experience.
Second stage: Porto Torres
In the afternoon, the group arrives in Porto Torres to explore the Basilica of San Gavino, Proto and Gianuario, the largest in Sardinia. Two opposing apses make it unique, combining external majesty and internal intimacy. The three aisles, illuminated by single lancet windows, rest on arches supported by granite and marble columns from Roman and Byzantine times. The final surprise is the crypt, a fascinating corridor that houses relics of saints and magnificent Roman sarcophagi.
Sunday 24 November
The group wakes up at the Hotel Catalunya in Alghero, with a splendid view of the city: the sea, the coast and the boats in the harbor look like a painting. After breakfast, stroll through the old town, among walls adorned with flowers, cobbled alleys and coral jewelry shops, inviting you to make some impromptu purchases.
A paella lunch does not win everyone over, but the sunny climate and clear skies make the day enjoyable anyway.
On the return bus journey, the improvised songs create an atmosphere of joy and fun. Ranieri, Battisti and Celentano, mistreated by some out of tune notes, live again in the songs of the past. Between laughter and shouts, the weekend ends in the best way, leaving everyone with an indelible memory.