Oristano, the capital of the same-named province of the Midwest of Sardinia is another city to visit when being in Sardinia. With thirty thousand inhabitants, it ranks among the larger cities of the island. However, in the 17th century, it was almost deserted for a short time.
Nestled on the stunning western coast of Sardinia, Italy, lies the delightful and oft-overlooked gem of Oristano. With a rich history spanning centuries and an array of captivating sights to behold, this charming city offers an unforgettable experience for the curious traveler. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the highlights of Oristano, from its intriguing history to the magnificent towers that grace its landscape.
What to see in Oristano
A very brief history of Oristano
To truly appreciate the wonders of Oristano, it’s essential to understand its historical significance. The city dates back to Phoenician times, becoming a key Roman port in the 3rd century BC. Over the centuries, Oristano witnessed the influence of various civilizations, including the Vandals, Byzantines, and the Spanish, each leaving their mark on the city’s architecture, culture, and traditions.
It was inhabited by the Nuragic civilization from the 16th to the 11th centuries BC, and nearby cities like Tharros were founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC. The Romans established the Province of Sardinia and Corsica in 227 BC, and around 1070 AD, Oristano was founded when inhabitants of Tharros moved inland to escape Saracen raids. During the medieval period, Oristano became the capital of the Giudicato of Arborea, an important Sardinian kingdom, and saw notable rulers like Mariano IV and Eleonora d’Arborea, who created the influential Carta de Logu legal code.
Later, Oristano came under Spanish and Savoyard rule, eventually becoming the capital of the Province of Oristano in 1974. The city retains its cultural heritage through medieval structures like the Tower of Mariano II and its cathedral, as well as the annual Sartiglia equestrian event, which dates back to 1350. Visit the official website for more information.
Sightseeing in Oristano
Cathedral of Santa Maria
There are quite a lot of historic sights in the city centre. The biggest attraction of the city is the Cathedral of Santa Maria. The largest cathedral of Sardinia was built firstly in the Romanesque stylatin the beginning of the 12th century; the four chapels were built in the Italian Gothic style though. At the beginning of the 18th century, major reconstruction work began as the cathedral was in a very poor condition. The half-circle chapel dates from the mid-18th century and painted decorations are even younger- from the 19th century. In 2005, Archbishop Ignatius Sanna decided that the altar and the greek tribune would be made in red-white marble.
Piazza Eleonora d’Arborea
On the Piazza Eleonora there is a monument dedicated to Giudicato of Arborea, a judge who declared so-called Carta de Loga at the end of the 14th century. It was a rule of law that was in force until the beginning of the 19th century in Sardinia, a civil and criminal code. There is a modernization of certain norms and legal wisdom in the Cart, which contains elements of Roman-canonical tradition, Byzantine, Bologna jurisprudence, and thoughts on the glossaries of the Catalan judicial culture. It also preserved the property rights of women. The Palazzo degli Scolopi is located in the square as well, serves today as a municipal office and was built in the 16.century.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: A visit to Oristano wouldn’t be complete without immersing yourself in the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Standing proudly in the center of town, this impressive 13th-century cathedral showcases fascinating architectural elements, such as the stunning rose window and the elegant bell tower.
Antiquarium Arborense
Dive deeper into Oristano’s past with a visit to the Antiquarium Arborense, a remarkable archaeological museum. Here, you’ll discover a vast collection of artifacts and relics from various historical periods, shedding light on the city’s ancient origins and its cultural development.
Towers of Oristano
Torre di Mariano
Torre di Mariano is one of the four entrance gates of the old city walls. The tower is located to the north of the city, it is about 19 meters high and consists of three floors, the last is a small mast tower with a bronze bell from 1430 inside. The tower is built of sandstone bricks from Tharros, bottom base part is granite.
Torre di Portixedda
Torre di Portixedda is the eastern gate on the other hand. The tower has a circular base and used to protect from enemies you would have tried to enter the city through the paths leading to Campiadano and Barbagie (source gooristano.it). The portixeddy tower consists of two overlapping cylindrical bodies with a different radius connected by a conical surface. Square sandstone blocks are used only in the connecting ring between the rollers. The rest of the building is coarser.
Torre de Cristoforo Colombo
Continuing your tower tour, don’t miss the Torre di Cristoforo Colombo. Named after the famous explorer himself, this tower is an impressive testament to Oristano’s maritime heritage. It offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the city’s historical connection with seafaring endeavors and trade routes.
Sartiglia: a famous event in Oristano
One of the most exhilarating and unique events in Oristano is the famed Sartiglia festival. This traditional equestrian carnival takes place annually during the Carnival season, captivating both locals and visitors alike. The centerpiece of Sartiglia revolves around a breathtaking horse race known as “Su Componidori.” Dressed in vibrant medieval costumes, skilled horsemen gallop through the streets, attempting to spear a hanging star-shaped target, all while performing daring acrobatic feats.
The atmosphere is electric, with cheers and excitement filling the air as the riders showcase their skills and courage. Sartiglia is not merely a spectacle but also a celebration of Oristano’s heritage and the deep-rooted traditions that have been passed down through generations. Attending this mesmerizing event allows you to truly immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and experience the captivating spirit of Oristano firsthand.
Beaches in Oristano
Torregrande Beach: Relax at this popular beach located just a few kilometers from Oristano. It offers a long stretch of sand and is ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
Sinis Peninsula: Explore this nearby protected marine area, known for its beautiful beaches and archaeological sites, including the ancient ruins of Tharros.
Spiaggia di Is Arutas: Famous for its unique quartz sand, this beach is located a short drive from Oristano and is perfect for a day trip.
Where to go next in Sardinia?
Feeling like visiting other cities in Sardinia ? Why not to read a guide on the former mine town Agentiera or Olbia?
Another points of interest could be Capo Testa, cities Nuoro, Oristano, the capital Cagliari, previously Spanish town Alghero, second largest city Sassari.
For beaches I would recommend Cala Luna or la Pelosa, or maybe you’re interested in the black beach.
For beautiful colourful cities in the north, I would say it’s worth visiting Castelsardo or Bosa.