Spanish tower of Portoscuso

Type:

Luoghi della cultura; Oggetto fisico

Category:

Defence buildings; Art museums

The Spanish tower of Portoscuso, an important example of coast tower, rises on a rocky buttress 30m a.s.l. It is part of a coastal defence system set by the Spanish during the second half of the 16th century against barbaric raids. It was built of local lava and volcanic tufa in1577 or 1639; the structure, in the shape of a truncated cone, has one floor. Impressive is the dome vault for the presence of stiffening ribs without central pilaster; outside, the tower is characterised by decorative corbels. From the terrace you enjoy a charming view of the city and the Sulcis archipelago.