Sardinia is an island where there are many things to discover such as the largest tower of the island which is the Torre Grande of Oristano. This place is particularly impressive as well as the rest of the territory.
Here you can find wonderful sandy beaches that stretch for miles along the coast. The geographical position makes this place the ideal starting point to explore the territory of Oristano.
In this way you can discover the products of the land and the recipes of the local tradition and easily reach both the ancient Roman port of Tharros, today archaeological area Cabras which houses some of the statues of the Giants of Mont’e Prama that the Sinis and its pristine beaches https:///italian-traditions.com/the-most-beautiful-beaches-of-sardinia-2/
Torre Grande di Oristano, where is it?
The Torre Grande of Oristano is the largest coastal tower of the island and was built around 1542 during the period of Spanish rule. One of its main features is its geographical position with great strategic importance.
The tower performed not only the military and political control of the territory but also the defense. The tower is located about ten kilometers away from the city of Oristano and overlooks the homonymous gulf in the central western part of the Sardinian island.
History and main features of the Torre Grande di Oristano
The construction of the tower officially began in 1542 after arrangements had been given by Charles V in 1535. The conclusion of the work took place in 1572 as witnessed by the census of Captain Camos.
In 1637 the tower failed to prevent the landing of the French ships that sacked the city of Oristano. In 1652 the Spanish government got rid of the administration of the tower. According to the report sent by Ripol to the Savoy king in 1767, the tower was served by a garrison of one captain, one gunner and six soldiers.
Throughout the nineteenth century, restoration works were carried out that guaranteed the tower to preserve over time the excellent architectural and static conditions. During this time the lighthouse keeper’s house was also built on the terrace.
The entrance of the tower is on the opposite side of the sea and has a staircase. The interior of the Torre Grande of Oristano is a large room surmounted by a dome in the center of which opens a quadrangular skylight. A staircase built inside the wall thickness allows access to the second floor of the tower.
Here a circular corridor leads to the riflemen. Finally, you get to the terrace where there are three cannons and the lodging of the pharaoh. The latter is a modest building built in the late 1800s.
Foto : Giornale di Oristano
Torre Grande di Oristano, what to see?
Undoubtedly one of the most interesting things to see in this area of Sardinia besides the Torre Grande is the kilometric beach that is one of the most popular in the territory of Oristano.
The beach is lined for its three kilometers in length by the promenade ideal for pleasant walks while admiring the sea. At the Torre di Oristano there is also a marina among the most important in Sardinia.
This is in a favorable position as it is located in the northern crescent of the Gulf of Oristano which makes it well protected from the winds. A visit inside the tower is a must as it allows you to admire a beautiful view.
What to eat in Oristano
The territory of Oristano is also very interesting for food and wine products. In particular, there are many recipes of the local culinary tradition to be discovered. Among the most famous and appreciated first courses there are malloreddus alla Campidanese. These are the traditional Sardinian gnocchi that are prepared using durum wheat semolina and water. These are then seasoned with a sausage sauce with the addition of pecorino sardo.
Cheese is also the protagonist in other recipes of the traditional cuisine of Oristano such as ravioli. These are the square ravioli of Oristano that are served in different variations such as with ricotta and spinach or with fresh cheese.
Do not miss the mullet bottarga, produced in the nearby pond of Cabras, to grate on the dough. As for the main courses there are interesting recipes based on meat such as roast on a spit like sheep or chicken with myrtle.
No doubt you can not miss the second fish dishes such as mullet fish typical of these areas. Finally, as for desserts there are the mostaccioli of Oristano. These are typical sweets in the shape of turbot. Another dessert of the tradition of Oristano are the capigliette, boats stuffed with almond paste.
Copertina: Giornale di Oristano
