Towers & viewpoints - ENG 馃嚞馃嚙
Towers
The intent of this guide is to introduce visitors to one of the typical and suggestive landscape elements of the Sardinian coasts: the Towers. Along the coastal provincial road starting from the Chia area it is possible to cross some of these towers, but for those who want to admire these wonders up close there are paths immersed in the Mediterranean scrub. There are numerous towers that still characterize the coasts of Sardinia, in the past they played an important role in the defensive system of the island. These watchtowers and defense towers are largely built under Spanish rule, but also in the previous period, with similar materials and construction techniques, in strategic places that could allow the sudden intervention against the danger that came from the sea.
Reachable by a path and probably built between the 16th and 17th centuries by the Spaniards, it stands on a promontory to dominate the wild and evocative landscape of the beach and Mediterranean vegetation around it. In addition to the wonderful panorama that surrounds the tower, a peculiarity that distinguishes it from the others is the presence of an old quarry of the time, first Punic, and then Roman. The low cliff that limits the beach of Piscinn矛 to the east was the site of intense mining for the production of blocks of sandstone to be used in construction. The coast still shows evident traces of this activity, recognizable in the square shapes and in the flat surfaces of the cliff, which respectively constituted the excavation fronts and the floor of a quarry over 2,000 years ago.
To reach the tower it is necessary to take the provincial road 71, before arriving at the beach of Piscinn铆 you cross some rest areas, in one of these there is the beginning of the path that you need to take (visible in one of the shots inserted both entrance, while the exact point of the pitch is indicated at the following link).
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Torre di Pixinni
Reachable by a path and probably built between the 16th and 17th centuries by the Spaniards, it stands on a promontory to dominate the wild and evocative landscape of the beach and Mediterranean vegetation around it. In addition to the wonderful panorama that surrounds the tower, a peculiarity that distinguishes it from the others is the presence of an old quarry of the time, first Punic, and then Roman. The low cliff that limits the beach of Piscinn矛 to the east was the site of intense mining for the production of blocks of sandstone to be used in construction. The coast still shows evident traces of this activity, recognizable in the square shapes and in the flat surfaces of the cliff, which respectively constituted the excavation fronts and the floor of a quarry over 2,000 years ago.
To reach the tower it is necessary to take the provincial road 71, before arriving at the beach of Piscinn铆 you cross some rest areas, in one of these there is the beginning of the path that you need to take (visible in one of the shots inserted both entrance, while the exact point of the pitch is indicated at the following link).
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https://maps.apple.com/?ll=38.906366,8.781186&q=Placeholder%20inserted&_ext=EiYpUPMTM3FzQ0Ax6a21RAaNIUA5zsg5j5d0Q0BBh+mxWe+SIUBQBA%3D%3D&t=h
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Along the provincial road 71, after passing the beach of Tuerredda, it is possible to identify a small port area that can be reached by taking a dirt road with an entrance on the left (with respect to the direction of travel coming from Pula / Domus de Maria). Inside the aforementioned road there is a fish farm, but above all it is possible to park and then walk to the beautiful Torre di Capo Malfatano, located right on the tip of the cliff.
The original name refers to a port used by the merchants of Amalfi, it was also called "fortalessa de Marfatt脿" in 1593 or "fortalessa de San Francisco de Marfatt脿" in 1595, while it currently takes its name from the locality of the same name.
The construction of the tower dates back to the years immediately following 1578, the year in which it was proposed by De Moncada who fifteen years later, in January 1593, was named the first alcade. The main functions were sighting and control with the military garrison equipped with cannons, guns and rifles.
In 1764 the tower was attacked by about 400 barbareschi but the then Alcadian Giovanni Battista Pinna led the defense which had a positive outcome in favor of his tower and during which about 100 assailants were injured.
In July 1812, following the Barbarian attack on Sant鈥橝ntioco, the garrison was strengthened and brought to five soldiers and a corporal.
The garrison of this structure continued even after the dissolution of the Administration of the Towers. In 1847 Giovanni Santo Zedda, sergeant of the Royal Artillery Corps, formerly of the Coltellazzo tower in Pula, was transferred there.
In the years 1605, 1784, 1817 and finally in 1823 various restoration interventions were carried out, made necessary both due to the incursions suffered and the effects of time on the structures.
The latest restoration was recently carried out by the B.A.A.A.S. of Cagliari.
The Capo Malfatano tower is in visual contact with the other towers of Piscinn矛, Budello and Porto Scudo.
Torre di Capo Malfatano
Along the provincial road 71, after passing the beach of Tuerredda, it is possible to identify a small port area that can be reached by taking a dirt road with an entrance on the left (with respect to the direction of travel coming from Pula / Domus de Maria). Inside the aforementioned road there is a fish farm, but above all it is possible to park and then walk to the beautiful Torre di Capo Malfatano, located right on the tip of the cliff.
The original name refers to a port used by the merchants of Amalfi, it was also called "fortalessa de Marfatt脿" in 1593 or "fortalessa de San Francisco de Marfatt脿" in 1595, while it currently takes its name from the locality of the same name.
The construction of the tower dates back to the years immediately following 1578, the year in which it was proposed by De Moncada who fifteen years later, in January 1593, was named the first alcade. The main functions were sighting and control with the military garrison equipped with cannons, guns and rifles.
In 1764 the tower was attacked by about 400 barbareschi but the then Alcadian Giovanni Battista Pinna led the defense which had a positive outcome in favor of his tower and during which about 100 assailants were injured.
In July 1812, following the Barbarian attack on Sant鈥橝ntioco, the garrison was strengthened and brought to five soldiers and a corporal.
The garrison of this structure continued even after the dissolution of the Administration of the Towers. In 1847 Giovanni Santo Zedda, sergeant of the Royal Artillery Corps, formerly of the Coltellazzo tower in Pula, was transferred there.
In the years 1605, 1784, 1817 and finally in 1823 various restoration interventions were carried out, made necessary both due to the incursions suffered and the effects of time on the structures.
The latest restoration was recently carried out by the B.A.A.A.S. of Cagliari.
The Capo Malfatano tower is in visual contact with the other towers of Piscinn矛, Budello and Porto Scudo.
The Chia Tower is located on the right of the Su Portu beach. The path to reach it is short, it is a stone road, illuminated in the evening, which leads right under the tower. From the latter it is possible to admire a wonderful view of all the different beaches of Chia. The tower is built on the acropolis of the Punic-Roman town of Bithia. Above all, it supervised the area towards the S, towards the Chia beach, ideal for water supply, and kept under control a territory very exposed to the landing of pirates thanks to the presence of numerous beaches. From the tower, however, it is not possible to see the other coastal towers, so the administration had set up two lookout posts and transmission of messages in the points called Guardia Grande to the N / E and Las Cannas on Capo Spartivento to the S / W.
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Torre di chia
The Chia Tower is located on the right of the Su Portu beach. The path to reach it is short, it is a stone road, illuminated in the evening, which leads right under the tower. From the latter it is possible to admire a wonderful view of all the different beaches of Chia. The tower is built on the acropolis of the Punic-Roman town of Bithia. Above all, it supervised the area towards the S, towards the Chia beach, ideal for water supply, and kept under control a territory very exposed to the landing of pirates thanks to the presence of numerous beaches. From the tower, however, it is not possible to see the other coastal towers, so the administration had set up two lookout posts and transmission of messages in the points called Guardia Grande to the N / E and Las Cannas on Capo Spartivento to the S / W.
Moving decidedly further west (1.30h from the Pula area), in the municipality of Buggerru, it is possible to admire another beautiful tower: Torre di Cala Domestica. It takes its name from the bay of the same name, a real pearl of southern Sardinia with crystal clear water that deserves to be seen. If you visit this area, I recommend taking a trip to the tower, located on the side of the cove and reachable by walking for about ten minutes along a small road that offers a breathtaking view. The tower guarded the entrance to the beach where there was a port for embarking minerals from the various mines in the area. From the fort you can see the towers of Porto Paglia, Forte di San Vittorio, the Piana island and Capo Pecora, where the "dead guard" (mobile lookout without a tower) was located in the locality of Sa Guardia de Is Turcus.
Torre di Cala Domestica
Moving decidedly further west (1.30h from the Pula area), in the municipality of Buggerru, it is possible to admire another beautiful tower: Torre di Cala Domestica. It takes its name from the bay of the same name, a real pearl of southern Sardinia with crystal clear water that deserves to be seen. If you visit this area, I recommend taking a trip to the tower, located on the side of the cove and reachable by walking for about ten minutes along a small road that offers a breathtaking view. The tower guarded the entrance to the beach where there was a port for embarking minerals from the various mines in the area. From the fort you can see the towers of Porto Paglia, Forte di San Vittorio, the Piana island and Capo Pecora, where the "dead guard" (mobile lookout without a tower) was located in the locality of Sa Guardia de Is Turcus.
The Torre del Coltellazzo or Sant'Efisio is a coastal tower that stands on the top of the promontory that dominates the ruins of the city of Nora, in the municipality of Pula. Parking at the parking lot of the beach of Nora it is possible to admire this beautiful tower, as well as the small church of Sant'Efisio and the ancient ruins of Nora.
The tower, built near the remains of the acropolis of Nora, came into operation from 1607, although the existence of a previous military settlement is attested from the early fourteenth century. Jorge Aleo, in 1680, mentions it, calling it Fortalleza Coltellaz. In the eighteenth century the building was incorporated into a fort, erected between 1722 and 1728 on a project by the Piedmontese engineer Antonio Felice de Vincenti. Further works were carried out in the 19th century, when the tower was equipped with a lighthouse.
The Coltellazzo tower, from the 18th century also called Sant'Efisio tower, in memory of the warrior martyr, who according to tradition wants to be killed in Nora by beheading, was torre de armas or gagliarda, or for heavy defense, with a garrison of commanded men by an alcalde (commander). It is in visual contact with the towers of Cala d'Ostia, San Macario and del Diavolo. Built in limestone sandstone, with a truncated cone structure, it measures about 11 meters high by 12 meters in diameter at the base and has an internal vaulted room with a ribbed dome, supported by a central pillar.
Torre del Coltellazzo o di Sant'Efisio
Via FermiThe Torre del Coltellazzo or Sant'Efisio is a coastal tower that stands on the top of the promontory that dominates the ruins of the city of Nora, in the municipality of Pula. Parking at the parking lot of the beach of Nora it is possible to admire this beautiful tower, as well as the small church of Sant'Efisio and the ancient ruins of Nora.
The tower, built near the remains of the acropolis of Nora, came into operation from 1607, although the existence of a previous military settlement is attested from the early fourteenth century. Jorge Aleo, in 1680, mentions it, calling it Fortalleza Coltellaz. In the eighteenth century the building was incorporated into a fort, erected between 1722 and 1728 on a project by the Piedmontese engineer Antonio Felice de Vincenti. Further works were carried out in the 19th century, when the tower was equipped with a lighthouse.
The Coltellazzo tower, from the 18th century also called Sant'Efisio tower, in memory of the warrior martyr, who according to tradition wants to be killed in Nora by beheading, was torre de armas or gagliarda, or for heavy defense, with a garrison of commanded men by an alcalde (commander). It is in visual contact with the towers of Cala d'Ostia, San Macario and del Diavolo. Built in limestone sandstone, with a truncated cone structure, it measures about 11 meters high by 12 meters in diameter at the base and has an internal vaulted room with a ribbed dome, supported by a central pillar.
The Torre del Diavolo is a lookout tower located on the promontory of Punta Zavorra, in the Gulf of Angels, in the territory of Sarroch.It was commissioned by the Crown of Spain as part of the complex of fortified structures that nineteenth century they formed the defensive, sighting and communication system of the coastal strip of the island.
The tower, built 50 meters above sea level with volcanic rock material, andesite and limestone sandstone friezes, is of a truncated cone shape and was built in 1639 according to the Francesco Vico Charter. The structure has a domed vault with a hole for access to the terrace.
Torre del Diavolo
The Torre del Diavolo is a lookout tower located on the promontory of Punta Zavorra, in the Gulf of Angels, in the territory of Sarroch.It was commissioned by the Crown of Spain as part of the complex of fortified structures that nineteenth century they formed the defensive, sighting and communication system of the coastal strip of the island.
The tower, built 50 meters above sea level with volcanic rock material, andesite and limestone sandstone friezes, is of a truncated cone shape and was built in 1639 according to the Francesco Vico Charter. The structure has a domed vault with a hole for access to the terrace.
Once you reach the beach of Foxi or Froccadizzu, it is possible to observe one of the numerous towers in the area, which is a few miles from the shore. The Tower of San Macario stands on the islet of the same name located in front of the Punta di Santa Vittoria di Pula. Also built by the Spaniards at the end of the 1500s to counteract the raids of Saracen pirates, it is not the only building on this small island: today there are also the ruins of the Byzantine monastery dedicated to San Macario, those of a small church and remains of an ancient tonnara.
Torre di San Macario
Once you reach the beach of Foxi or Froccadizzu, it is possible to observe one of the numerous towers in the area, which is a few miles from the shore. The Tower of San Macario stands on the islet of the same name located in front of the Punta di Santa Vittoria di Pula. Also built by the Spaniards at the end of the 1500s to counteract the raids of Saracen pirates, it is not the only building on this small island: today there are also the ruins of the Byzantine monastery dedicated to San Macario, those of a small church and remains of an ancient tonnara.
In the area of Santa Margherita di Pula, there is another of the suggestive towers of the Sardinian coast. This is easily accessible as it is located right on the roadside. The Cala d'Ostia tower is a lookout tower located on the promontory of Cala d'Ostia, in the territory of Pula.
It was built to defend the mouth of the Rio Pedras de Fogu and the two coves of Cala d'Ostia, preventing the water supply and the attack of Pula.
The tower, about 9 meters high, has a truncated cone shape and was built in 1773. The structure has a domed vault. It was used until 1842, the year of the suppression of the Royal Administration of the towers.
Torre di Cala d'Ostia
Via FlumendosaIn the area of Santa Margherita di Pula, there is another of the suggestive towers of the Sardinian coast. This is easily accessible as it is located right on the roadside. The Cala d'Ostia tower is a lookout tower located on the promontory of Cala d'Ostia, in the territory of Pula.
It was built to defend the mouth of the Rio Pedras de Fogu and the two coves of Cala d'Ostia, preventing the water supply and the attack of Pula.
The tower, about 9 meters high, has a truncated cone shape and was built in 1773. The structure has a domed vault. It was used until 1842, the year of the suppression of the Royal Administration of the towers.
Viewpoints
In this section of the guide there are some tips on different unusual and suggestive panoramic points for those who want to enjoy a breathtaking view by taking a stroll in the middle of the Sardinian Mediterranean bush.
Along the road to reach the beautiful spikelet of Cala del Morto you can enjoy a wonderful view, which becomes even more suggestive if you leave the cove behind you and continue following the path. You arrive at a rocky point from which you have a complete view of the bay and the Chia Tower, as visible from the first photo in the background.
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Cala del Morto
Along the road to reach the beautiful spikelet of Cala del Morto you can enjoy a wonderful view, which becomes even more suggestive if you leave the cove behind you and continue following the path. You arrive at a rocky point from which you have a complete view of the bay and the Chia Tower, as visible from the first photo in the background.
For those who want to admire a dream sunset with a breathtaking view, a walk to Faro Capo Spartivento is not to be missed. The lighthouse was built in 1866, and is therefore one of the oldest lighthouses in Sardinia still in operation, and partly used as a hotel. It can be reached by parking in front of the Su Giudeu beach and continuing on foot towards the small Cala Cipolla. Once you have passed the latter, continue along the path and after about ten minutes you will arrive at the panoramic point.
Capo Spartivento Lighthouse
For those who want to admire a dream sunset with a breathtaking view, a walk to Faro Capo Spartivento is not to be missed. The lighthouse was built in 1866, and is therefore one of the oldest lighthouses in Sardinia still in operation, and partly used as a hotel. It can be reached by parking in front of the Su Giudeu beach and continuing on foot towards the small Cala Cipolla. Once you have passed the latter, continue along the path and after about ten minutes you will arrive at the panoramic point.
One hour from the Pula area, in the hamlet of Nebida, the Rock of Sugar Loaf rises from the sea a few meters from the coast: the name derives from the similarity with the famous P茫o de A莽煤car of the Rio de Janeiro bay and has already replaced in the 18th century the original Sardinian name Concali su Terr脿inu. You will reach it by rubber dinghy or boat from the magnificent inlet of Masua, a coastal hamlet of Iglesiente two and a half kilometers away. Having accomplished the difficult task of reaching its rocky walls, climbing enthusiasts, with the equipment and support of specialized guides, can climb its 133 meters: it is the highest stack in the Mediterranean. From the top you will overlook the three 'younger brothers' next to it, two called Agusteri and the Dead, the southernmost. The four stacks of Masua are structurally homogeneous and connected, an integral part of the monument: their white-cerulean color stands out on the coast in front of the purple hue. They are composed of Cambric limestone, chemically almost pure, originating from marine erosion that generated their detachment from the mainland, precisely from the crag of Punta is Cicalas: the 300-meter stretch of sea that separates them is often impervious. Unmissable at sunset but also an excellent destination to walk a part of the Santa Barbara Mining route or to visit or admire Porto Flavia from a boat trip. Another pleasant detail is the wonderful panorama that accompanies the whole trip along the coastal road that relieves the numerous returns that make it up.
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Scoglio Pan di Zucchero
One hour from the Pula area, in the hamlet of Nebida, the Rock of Sugar Loaf rises from the sea a few meters from the coast: the name derives from the similarity with the famous P茫o de A莽煤car of the Rio de Janeiro bay and has already replaced in the 18th century the original Sardinian name Concali su Terr脿inu. You will reach it by rubber dinghy or boat from the magnificent inlet of Masua, a coastal hamlet of Iglesiente two and a half kilometers away. Having accomplished the difficult task of reaching its rocky walls, climbing enthusiasts, with the equipment and support of specialized guides, can climb its 133 meters: it is the highest stack in the Mediterranean. From the top you will overlook the three 'younger brothers' next to it, two called Agusteri and the Dead, the southernmost. The four stacks of Masua are structurally homogeneous and connected, an integral part of the monument: their white-cerulean color stands out on the coast in front of the purple hue. They are composed of Cambric limestone, chemically almost pure, originating from marine erosion that generated their detachment from the mainland, precisely from the crag of Punta is Cicalas: the 300-meter stretch of sea that separates them is often impervious. Unmissable at sunset but also an excellent destination to walk a part of the Santa Barbara Mining route or to visit or admire Porto Flavia from a boat trip. Another pleasant detail is the wonderful panorama that accompanies the whole trip along the coastal road that relieves the numerous returns that make it up.
Rich in history and another unmissable point to enjoy a fantastic view of the sea is the ancient city of Nora, of which it is possible to visit the very suggestive ruins at sunset. It was the first Phoenician city in Sardinia (8th century BC), a trade hub, as well as a port with an enviable position, in the isthmus of Capo Pula, from which you could set sail in any wind. Nora, which fully developed in the 4th century BC. under the Punic rule, in 238 BC. it was conquered by the Romans and in the 1st century AD. became municipium. In the following two centuries, it experienced its maximum splendor: urban growth and eight thousand inhabitants, as well as being caput viae, kilometer zero of all the roads on the island.
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Area Archeologica di Nora
Rich in history and another unmissable point to enjoy a fantastic view of the sea is the ancient city of Nora, of which it is possible to visit the very suggestive ruins at sunset. It was the first Phoenician city in Sardinia (8th century BC), a trade hub, as well as a port with an enviable position, in the isthmus of Capo Pula, from which you could set sail in any wind. Nora, which fully developed in the 4th century BC. under the Punic rule, in 238 BC. it was conquered by the Romans and in the 1st century AD. became municipium. In the following two centuries, it experienced its maximum splendor: urban growth and eight thousand inhabitants, as well as being caput viae, kilometer zero of all the roads on the island.