Torre spagnola di San Giovanni
Late 16th-century Spanish coastal tower above the excavations of Tharros, with a panoramic terrace over the Gulf of Oristano.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The tower stands about 50 metres above sea level, above the archaeological area of Tharros, where the Carthaginians had chosen to place the acropolis. It was built under Spanish rule at the end of the 16th century as a “torre de armas” within a defensive system against raids from North Africa. It controlled the coast for about 28 km and remained in visual contact with other coastal towers. It takes its name from the nearby early medieval church of San Giovanni di Sinis.
The tower has a base more than 14 metres in diameter, is 11 metres high up to the terrace and has walls about 4 metres thick. It is built of calcareous sandstone, with materials salvaged from the nearby Punic and Roman ruins. The entrance is several metres above ground and leads, through a long corridor, to an inner chamber with a domed vault; a staircase on the south side leads to the terrace.
It was garrisoned until 1846. In 1837 La Marmora used it as a geodetic point; in the late 19th century it was garrisoned to combat smuggling, and two stone and brick houses were built on the terrace. Recent restoration work has opened the interior and the terrace to the public.
Highlights
- Panoramic terrace over the Gulf of Oristano and the Sinis lagoon
- Inner chamber with domed vault
- View of the Tharros archaeological area
- Free visit with information panels and the ArcheoVoce app
- Operated by
- Penisola del Sinis Società Cooperativa (gestione)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 40,536
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Over 65s, university students up to 26, groups of at least 20 people |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 5 · Free for ages 0 to 5; schools and minors aged 6 to 17, €2. |
| Seniors | €3Over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and their companion. |
| Students & apprentices | €3University students up to 26; schools and under-17s €2. |
| Groups (20+ people) | €3 per personBooking is required for organised groups. |
| Combined ticket Tharros + Tower | €11Reduced €9, schools €6.50. |
| Combined ticket Museo di Cabras + Tharros + Tower | €17Reduced €13, schools €10. |
Free admission also for residents of Cabras and Solanas. Card payment (POS) is not available: other means of payment are required.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Access to the tower and terrace is by stairs. Toilets are located at the Tharros archaeological area.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 20 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Buses from Oristano reach Cabras only in July and August.
By car
Parking available
Car park at San Giovanni di Sinis.
By car: SS 131, exit Oristano Nord, then follow the signs to Cabras and San Giovanni di Sinis–Tharros.
Get directionsAmenities & 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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | Free visit with information panels and the ArcheoVoce app (texts and audio). Exclusive guided tours and tours for organised groups, in Italian or other languages, are by reservation only. |
