Oristano is located on a plain not far from
the west coast of Sardinia, the nearest beach is Torre Grande,
a long stretch of fine white sand with many tourist facilities
at hand. The lovers of historical places will enjoy visiting
Oristano, with its historical buildings and many Churches
in a mixture of Styles, mainly Baroque. There are many architectonic
elements related to the Middle Ages,
such as historic remains of the town walls in Piazza Roma.
The San Cristoforo Tower was once an entrance to the city
and called Porta Manna.
Not to be missed the house of Eleonora d’Arborea that
was turned into a Museum, the town hall, built in the Scolopi's
monastery, in Piazza Eleonora d’Arborea and St. Francis
church, completely rebuilt in the neo-classical style by
the architect Gaetano Cima in the XIX Century. Inside, to
the left of the altar, is the famous Nicodemo's crucifix,
the most important example of a Spanish gothic sculpture
in Sardinia. Other interesting monuments in the historical
centre include the church of St. Dominic, the church of
St. Clare (building in Gothic style dating back to 1345
and recently restored) and the church of Carmine. This is
a beautiful example of baroque-Piedmont architecture, designed
by the architect Giuseppe Viana between 1766 and 1785.
The territory of Oristano is scattered with prehistoric
monuments and sanctuaries, in the City itself the Antiquarium
Arborense Museum, houses the numerous findings from the
Nuragic and Roman Ages that come from the ancient
Phoenician cities of Tharros and Cornus. Those fortunate
tourists to be around during the carnival celebrations will
assist to one of the most dramatic and traditional festivals
in Sardinia, Sa Sartiglia, which is an equestrian tournament
infused with many symbols and colours.
The area also offers a good assortment of restaurants where
to enjoy the typical food based mainly on fish and seafood,
but also wood roasted meat.
