Oristano

Oristano is a Sardinian provincial capital, located on the west coast of the island. It rises on the banks of the Tirso, the longest river on the island. Its history is very ancient. Beloved by the citizens is the figure of Eleonora D'Arborea, the judge who ruled until 1404, remembered for good governance and for the struggle for independence against the Aragonese, promulgated the local law. Today a beautiful statue of her towers over the square dedicated to her. The Cathedral is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta; it is the largest Cathedral in Sardinia, in Baroque style, inside it preserves the relics of Sant 'Archelao, patron saint of the city. During the period of maximum splendor the city was endowed with a defensive wall system of which today very little remains; of the 28 towers only the tower of San Cristoforo remains. The historic center is embellished with alleys and streets with low and colorful houses. A few kilometers away is the city of Tharros, built by the Phoenicians and then inhabited by the Carthaginians and Romans, with the remains of columns and a temple perhaps dedicated to Juno, which overlooked the sea. When the inhabitants moved inland they helped to create today's Oristano.