Torre Grande Lighthouse, Lighthouse and defensive tower in Oristano, Italy.
Torre Grande Lighthouse is a substantial defensive tower standing 16 meters tall on the Sardinian coast, now open to visitors as a museum. The structure serves a dual purpose: it preserves the region's maritime defense heritage while maintaining an active navigation light that aids vessels at sea.
Spanish military forces built this coastal defense tower in 1542 under orders from Charles V, completing the construction by 1555. It was created as part of a broader strategy to fortify Sardinia's shoreline against threats from the sea.
The site functions as a museum dedicated to coastal defense structures, allowing visitors to explore how maritime safety shaped the region's identity. The tower stands as a symbol of Oristano's connection to the sea and its role in protecting local communities.
Access to the site is straightforward through Piazza della Torre in the Marina di Torre Grande area, where the tower is readily visible. The location serves as one of several coastal defense structures open to visitors along Sardinia's shoreline.
The tower was originally built solely as a military defense structure, but a light chamber was later added to assist maritime navigation. This blend of ancient fortification and modern aid for seafarers makes the building distinctly visible after dark.
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