Porto Torres

Discover Porto Torres: also known as Posthudòrra in Turritano and Portu Tùrre in Sardo, it stands out as a city of significance in the province of Sassari.

Located along the north-western coast of Sardinia, in the enchanting Gulf of Asinara, Porto Torres is a place rich in historical and cultural appeal.

The port of Porto Torres plays a crucial role as a gateway to the island, offering passenger routes to various Italian, Spanish, and French destinations.

Encompassing an area of about 10,000 hectares, Porto Torres includes Isola Piana and Isola dell’Asinara, the latter being home to the eponymous national park.

A significant portion of the territory is characterized by the Nurra plain, one of Sardinia’s main plains, crossed by two significant rivers: Riu Mannu and River Santo.

In particular, the area around River Santo has yielded important fossil finds dating back to the Miocene period, including crocodiles and dwarf giraffes.

The human settlement in Porto Torres dates back to pre-Nuragic times, with numerous necropolises bearing witness to ancient presence. During the Nuragic era, Porto Torres was home to 7 well-preserved nuraghes along with domus de janas.

Few visible remains exist from the Phoenician and Punic periods, although its sheltered geographical location made Porto Torres a safe harbor for navigators at that time.

Founded in Roman times around the 1st century B.C., the city was originally called Turris Libissonis. The maritime-mercantile activity is evidenced by artifacts linked to the cult of Isis, protector of sailors.

A notable remnant from Roman times is the renowned Roman bridge, the first and largest in Sardinia. Among the must-see attractions in Porto Torres is the Necropolis of Su Crucifissu Mannu, dating back to 3200-2800 B.C., featuring 22 perfectly preserved rock-cut tombs.