Torre di Mariano

The Tower of Mariano II is located in Oristano, in central western Sardinia, in Piazza Roma. It was built in 1290 by Judge Mariano II, and was one of the door of the ancient city walls. Today it stands isolated in the center of the square and is a testimony of the ancient fortifications present in the area. The Tower, apart from the base made of basaltic blocks, otherwise built in ashlars of sandstone and reaches a height of 28 meters. On the arch of the entrance door there was originally an inscription, now preserved in the Antiquarium Arborense, which allows us to date its construction. Legend has it that, in medieval times, the roller shutter door of the Tower was closed every evening to prevent access to the city. It consists of two superimposed buildings: the first bordered by five Guelph battlements on each side, has three floors, the first of which housed the patrol walkway, the second building, 10 meters high, also has three Guelph battlements on each side. The access was most likely equipped with a drawbridge and a double locking system operated by winches. This ancient and beautiful tower is also known by the name of Torre di San Cristoforo, from a sixteenth-century rate able of the saint that was once kept inside.