Tharros, Sardinia: 360° Guide.

  map view 

Extensive Roman Port & Ancient Church

Thermal Baths	Roman Columns	City of Tharros	Tharros & San Giovanni Tower

With a dramatic coastal location Tharros is an extensive Roman site. In fact the origins of the city are earlier, initially nuraghic and then Carthaginian. When Rome defeated Carthage in the first Punic war in 238BC and took control of Sardinia it continued as an important naval town and much of what you can see (or imagine) today dates from the 2nd and 3rd century. In the following centuries raids by vandals and muslim from Africa made the location unattactive and in the 11th century it was decided to move inland to the safer location at present day Oristano. Unfortunately much of the materials for the new city were stripped from Tharros.

Tower & Church of San Giovanni di Sinis

San Giovanni Coastline	Tower & Beach	San Giovanni di Sinis	Interior of Ancient Church

Above Tharros is the "Torre di San Giovanni" (this was not open when we visited) from which not only can you get an excellent view of the Roman city but also along the promontory and of the coastline and beach of the same name on the other side. Heading back towards Oristano for less than a kilometre is a parking area and nearby the small church of "San Giovanni di Sinis" which is one of Sardinia's oldest, the current building being 11th century but the original being 6th century. Its interior is not ornate but worth a visit.

Photographs displayed with the permission of the “Ministero per I Beni e le Attivatà Culturali”. Reproduction or duplication by any means is forbidden.