Torre di Longonsardo

About the museum

The Torre di Longonsardo takes its name from a 14th-century castle destroyed in 1422; after the founding of Santa Teresa Gallura it was also called the Torre di Santa Teresa. It stands at the north-eastern tip of Sardinia, on the headland between the bays of Santa Reparata and Porto Longone, and controlled traffic in the inlet, defending the coast against pirates and smuggling with Corsica. It is part of the system of coastal towers commissioned by the Spanish Crown in the 16th century; work began perhaps in 1577, and the tower was in operation at the end of the century.

It is built of granite blocks: the lower part is shaped like a truncated cone and the upper part is cylindrical, with a base diameter of 19 metres and an average height of 11. The entrance opens about six metres above ground and leads to the casemate, a large dome-vaulted chamber about 10 metres in diameter supported by a central pillar; a staircase built into the masonry climbs to the battlement terrace.

In June 1802 the tower was attacked and captured by a group of Sardinian and Corsican exiles led by the priest Francesco Sanna Corda, who were then defeated by royal troops. In 1842 the administration of the towers was abolished and the fortress decommissioned; during the Second World War it housed a company of paratroopers, who built the external staircase. Today the tower is open to visitors and is managed by the cooperative CoolTour Gallura.

Highlights

• 16th-century granite coastal tower
• Domed casemate with a central pillar
• Battlement terrace at the top, reached by a staircase built into the masonry
• Route with audio guide, with tickets combined with the Lu Brandali archaeological site

Permanent exhibition

• Torre di Longonsardo – Visit to the coastal tower with casemate, internal staircase and panoramic terrace.

Operated by

CoolTour Gallura Cooperativa Sociale

Visitors per year

approx. 13,787

Admission & discounts

Rates for the visit without a guide, with a leaflet; the standard ticket is for young people and adults aged 12 and over.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The tower is on the headland of the village of Santa Teresa Gallura, between the bays of Santa Reparata and Porto Longone, with access from Via Bechi.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit