a town of Sardinia, capital of the division of the same name, forming the northern part of the island, stands on a hill near the Turritano, about 9 miles above its mouth at Porto Torres, and 105 N.N.W. of Cagliari. Around it lies a rich and beautiful tract of gardens, orchards, vineyards, and well cultivated fields. The town is encircled by walls, outside of which are shady promenades; and the houses, especially in the main street, are substantial and handsome. Among its twenty-five churches, the most remarkable are the large massive cathedral and a fine Minorite church. There are, too, a castle; numerous convents; a university, founded in 1766, and attended in 1842 by 240 students; two colleges; an ecclesiastical seminary; three palaces, that of the governor, of the archbishop, and of the Duke of Asinara; a small public library; and a fine theatre. Sassari is the seat of several courts of law and public offices. The only important manufacture is that of tobacco, for which there is here the largest establishment in the island. The trade, carried on through Porto Torres, consists chiefly in the exportation of articles of domestic produce; grain, oil, cheese, and skins. The ancient town, Turris Libyssonis, which occupied the site of Porto Torres, was one of the most important in the island; but about the eleventh century A.D. the whole population migrated inland to Sassari, which from that period began to rise into importance. Some remains of antiquity are still to be seen at Porto Torres. Pop. 23,000.