Fortino di Sant'Ignazio, 18th-century military tower in Cagliari, Italy
Fortino di Sant'Ignazio is a military tower on Sant'Elia hill built from stone with defense points positioned to overlook the surrounding waters and coast. The structure rises 94 meters above sea level and contains multiple levels and interior spaces designed for observation and protection.
The tower was built in 1792 as a defense measure during Savoy rule to protect against possible French attacks on the coast. It was part of a broader defensive strategy designed for the Cagliari region.
The site served as a military lookout over the bay and was repurposed for different needs as the city evolved. Today visitors can walk through the remains and experience the wide views across the water that made it strategically valuable.
You can reach the site on foot by following paths and routes that lead up Sant'Elia hill to the tower. Wear sturdy shoes since the paths are uneven and the terrain can be rough in places.
The original design called for four towers and 50 cannons, but construction stopped with only two towers completed and fewer artillery pieces installed. This reflects how military plans often shifted during construction and fell short of initial ambitions.
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