Torre dello Sperone, Medieval defense tower in Stampace district, Cagliari, Italy.
Torre dello Sperone is a medieval defense tower made of white limestone with a four-sided structure standing at the entrance to Stampace district. The building rises over 20 meters and now forms part of a military hospital complex on its original site.
Built in 1293 under the supervision of Captain Alberti, this tower was the first of its kind in Cagliari and served to protect the southwestern entrance to Stampace. Its construction marked the beginning of Pisan fortification efforts in the city.
The name refers to defensive spurs that protected the medieval city, and the Latin inscription on the facade shows the Pisan presence during that era. Visitors can observe how this structure marked the boundary between the city and its surroundings.
The tower is easily accessible from the street but sits within a military hospital complex, which may limit viewing options. Visitors should check beforehand if interior access is permitted on the day of their visit.
The tower features a distinctive shot hole in its stone structure that reveals how medieval defenders used such openings for protection. This architectural detail provides direct insight into the practical defense methods of the era.
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