One hundred years after his birth, the remains of Rafael Neville, founder of Porto Rafael, are buried in the church of Santa Rita

The mortal remains of Rafael Neville, founder of Porto Rafael, will be buried tomorrow, August 19, in the small church of Santa Rita, in the village that bears his name. The religious ceremony, one of the highlights of the centenary celebrations of his birth, will include a Mass presided over by the parish priest of Palau, Don Paolo Pala. Rafael Neville Rubio-Argüelles, 5th Count of Berlanga y del Duero, starting in the late 1950s transformed a then-pristine stretch of the Gallura coast into Porto Rafael, destined to become one of the most recognizable and evocative villages in the Mediterranean.

To commemorate him on the centenary of his birth, the Municipality of Palau has promoted a program of religious, cultural, and musical events. After tomorrow's ceremony, the celebrations will continue on August 21st, the anniversary of Neville's birth, with a day of celebration open to the community in Porto Rafael. Music, entertainment, and socializing will be offered in the small square, reflecting the convivial spirit that has characterized the village since its origins.

On August 22nd, the Monte Altura Fortress will host one of the most popular events, a concert by Mario Biondi.

The event will close on August 25th in Piazza Popoli d'Europa with the presentation of the digital book "Dreaming and Living. The Dream Realized by Rafael Neville," the result of extensive research sponsored by the Municipality. The publication reconstructs the life, works, and, above all, the insights of the man who imagined and created Porto Rafael, linking his name to Palau's recent history.