Torre del Poetto, Renaissance military tower in Borgo Sant'Elia, Cagliari, Italy
Torre del Poetto is a limestone tower in Borgo Sant'Elia, Cagliari, rising about 87 meters above sea level and overlooking Marina Piccola harbor and the long Poetto beach coastline. The structure is a solid, compact building with historical importance as part of the region's coastal defense network.
The tower was built in 1597 as part of the coastal defense line to protect the region from sea attacks. Its active use ended after Forte di Cala Mosca was completed and took over its defensive role.
The name comes from Torre del Pouhet del San Elias, referencing a nearby Punic cistern that locals call sa bucca de su tiaulu. This local name reflects the layers of history that different peoples left in the area.
Visitors reach the tower via challenging hikes from Marina Piccola or Cala Fighera. It is important to notify the military authority COMAR in advance before visiting the site.
From this vantage point, visitors can spot several other fortifications around the gulf, including the tower on Isola dei Cavoli. This arrangement shows how the old defense strategy linked multiple strongpoints together.
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