Porto Torres and Monte d’Accoddi
map of Porto Torres and Monte d’Accoddi with the marked sights
Porto Torres
Porto Torres is the third most important port city in Sardinia after Olbia and Cagliari. It offers a ferry connection to the Italian mainland, which is particularly interesting for tourists planning to spend their holidays on the west coast.
The area has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with a significant development occurring with the construction of the Roman settlement Turris Libyssonis.
In the Middle Ages, the town of Turris lost importance as its inhabitants retreated inland due to constant pirate attacks and founded the city of Sassari.
Today, Porto Torres offers all essential services. The main promenade is Corso Vittorio Emanuele II (photo), where you can pass the waiting time for the ferry in nice shops and bars.
West of the port are extensive industrial facilities, while to the east are beautiful coastal areas and beaches.
Basilica di San Gavino
The Basilica di Gavino stands at the upper end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, about 10 minutes from the port.
It is the largest Romanesque church in Sardinia. It was built by Pisan builders and craftsmen in the 11th century.
Previously, early Christian structures stood on this site, partially uncovered during excavations in 1614. At that time, the Archbishop of Sassari ordered a search for the relics of the martyrs San Gavino, Protus, and Gianuario.
San Gavino is one of Sardinia’s national saints. According to tradition, he was a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and was beheaded during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian.
Antiquarium Turritano
The Antiquarium is the archaeological museum of Porto Torres, primarily dedicated to the excavations of the Roman settlement Turris Libyssonis.
The museum was opened in 1984 and is managed by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Tourism.
On display are statues, mosaics, and everyday items such as coins, amphorae, and other ceramics.
From the upper floor, there is a beautiful view of the adjacent excavation site.
The museum is located at Via Ponte Romano 99, very close to the port (see map). There is ample parking in the surrounding area.
Parco Archeologico
This site is located right next to the archaeological museum.
To visit, you must join a guided tour (usually in Italian). The tour is included in the museum ticket.
So far, several buildings, two paved streets, and remnants of the forum have been excavated on the expansive site.
The park provides a good insight into Roman civilization, which even today seems incredibly modern and advanced.
Large parts of the site are still buried under rubble, other parts of the Roman settlement lie under modern buildings of Porto Torres or were irretrievably destroyed during the construction of the nearby railway line.
The most significant buildings in the Parco Archeologico are two baths and the villa of a Roman governor.
The water for the baths was specially brought via a pipeline and aqueducts from the Fontana di Rosello in Sassari, a distance of 17 km as the crow flies.
Since no natural thermal water was available, the heating was done with wood fires.
You can still clearly see the individual pools, which were filled with water of different temperatures.
Particularly impressive is the decor of the Roman villa with water basins and magnificent mosaic floors (photo).
Ponte Romano
The Roman bridge is located west of the Parco Archeologico, about 500 meters from the museum. Just follow Via Ponte Romano out of town.
With a length of 135 meters and seven arches, the bridge spans the valley of the Riu Mannu.
It was built in the 1st century AD and connected the settlement of Turris Libyssonis with the hinterland and the mines of Nurra.
It is considered the best-preserved Roman bridge in Sardinia.
The ancient structure was used by heavy vehicles for almost 2000 years until it was closed to traffic in the 1980s.
During restoration work, part of the original paving was uncovered, which had been hidden under a modern asphalt layer.
Monte d’Accoddi
Monte d’Accodi is about 5000 years old and unique in the Mediterranean region.
It is a pyramid-shaped altar mound built in several phases from roughly hewn stones.
A 40-meter-long ramp leads up to the upper level at a height of 9 meters. Next to the ramp are an altar table and a round boulder, which probably served ritual purposes.
The hill was only recognized as an artificial structure during World War II when the Italian army installed an anti-aircraft gun emplacement here.
Systematic excavations began in the 1950s.
How to get there: The access road is on the former SS131. In Porto Torres, take Via Sassari and follow it for about 7 km after the town exit sign.
In Porto Torres, it is best not to follow the signs to Sassari initially, as you will most likely end up on the new SS131, which runs further west.
The access to Monte d’Accoddi is well signposted, but it can only be reached from Porto Torres. There is no exit from the direction of Sassari.