The Piazzetta in Porto Cervo named after Prince Karim Aga Khan IV

A tribute to the visionary who transformed Costa Smeralda® into a model of sustainable development and identity

One year after the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, founder of Costa Smeralda® and a central figure in the contemporary history of Sardinia, the Municipality of Arzachena has decided to name the Piazzetta in Porto Cervo in his memory.

Piazzetta di Porto Cervo (ph. Dario Garofalo)

The aim is to pay tribute not only to the visionary entrepreneur who transformed the north-east of the island into a tourist destination par excellence, but also to the spiritual leader and man of peace, promoter of dialogue between cultures. Once the authorization process with the relevant authorities has been completed, the municipality will organize an official commemorative ceremony in the square.

With ties to Italy since his youth, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, 49th Imam of the Ismaili Shiite Muslims, was the architect of an integrated tourism development model that made Costa Smeralda® an internationally recognized symbol. He was responsible for the creation of Porto Cervo, the founding of the Costa Smeralda Consorzio, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, and Alisarda (later Meridiana and Air Italy), as well as the definition of an architectural and cultural style that has brought prestige to Sardinia throughout the world.

During his lifetime, he received numerous awards, from being named His Royal Highness by Queen Elizabeth II to being awarded the title of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Arzachena granted him honorary citizenship in 1965 and, in 2011, the Region of Sardinia awarded him the title of Sardus Pater.

By naming the Piazzetta in Porto Cervo after him, Arzachena today renews its bond with the man who, more than any other, has contributed to writing the modern history of this unique place.