The Torre Spagnola of San Giovanni in Sinis looks down imposingly on the entire archaeological area of Tharros. The view from its summit extends across the entire Gulf of Oristano as far as the open sea.
Built between the end of the 16th and the start of the 17th century, the Torre Spagnola - Spanish Tower - is a space between the land, sea and sky that you can conquer after a wonderful walk among the ruins of ancient Tharros.
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Opening days
can be visited upon request/booking on the opening days of the Tharros archaeological area, when light and weather conditions allow safe accessibility to the monument and good internal visibility
9.30 -13.00 |15.00 -18.30
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Opening times
9.30 -13.00 | 15.00 -18.30
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Closing
Monday, December 25th, January 1st
- Web Torre Spagnola of San Giovanni in Sinis
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Feature List
- Info line
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Accessibility
The site is not wheelchair accessible
HISTORY
The Torre Spagnola was built at the behest of the Crown of Spain in order to defend the Peninsula of Sinis from possible sea attacks, and it is thought that it was erected on the ruins of an ancient nuraghe and Punic tower.
Like the other Sardinian coastal towers, the Torre di San Giovanni, so-called for its proximity to the church of San Giovanni di Sinis, was tasked with protecting the local population from raids by Barbary pirates from nearby North Africa. It was armed with cannons and spingardes (large crossbows used to fire big stones) and was generally manned by a garrison consisting of an alcaide (governor), an artilleryman and four soldiers.
VISITING THE TOWER
Today the tower consists of two overlapping cylindrical bodies with an entrance around 8 metres from the ground that can be reached from a 19th century external staircase.
Having reached the large circular room with dome vault, lit by an evocative skylight, you will climb up to the terrace, dating to the second half of the 19th century, to enjoy one of the most extensive and breath-taking views of the Sinis peninsula and the entire Gulf of Oristano.
The Torre Spagnola of San Giovanni in Sinis will enchant you with its mix of vibrant nature and absorbing history. Organise your visit and get ready to be amazed!
Services
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Visits
archaeological and naturalistic itineraries in Sinis for individuals and groups
available in Italian, English
upon reservation
0783 370019 | info@penisoladelsinis.it -
Didactics for schools
archaeological and naturalistic itineraries in Sinis for individuals and groups
available in Italian, English
upon reservation
0783 370019 | info@penisoladelsinis.it - Cafés and food Courts
- Restaurants
Where
SP6, Cabras (OR)
Transportation
By car: from SS 131 (exit ORISTANO NORD) follow the directions to Cabras and San Giovanni di Sinis-Tharros.
Parking facilities are available in San Giovanni di Sinis.
By bus : In July and August buses from Oristano stop at Cabras.
Visiting Rules
Face masks strongly reccommended. Find out more
