Coastal towers
The towers were built on the orders of King Phillip II of Spain in 1587 to defend the island from barbarian incursions, who, although they were based on the north coast of Africa, occasionally raided the mainland razing to the ground everything they came across, people, cattle and homes.
These constructions are found along the coast of the island and in sight of each other to send signals and for patrols. For this reason they are situated on high ground, some towers being smaller served as signposts while the larger ones for defence were armed with cannons which were placed on the orders of an "alcalde" (an official who presided over the fortification and arming of the towers). An accord was reached between the barbarians and the realms of Sardinia, Tunisia and the Algiers which finally brought an end to the raids on their kingdoms.
The towers were divided into four groups:
TORRE GAGLIARDE
These were the largest and fortified with 4 cannons, 5 guns and 2 firelocks, and were manned by an alcalde, a gunner and 4 soldiers.
TORRE SENZILLAS
Mid-sized with 2 cannons, a firelock and manned by 2 soldiers.
TORRE TORREZILLAS
Armed as the Senzillas towers but of smaller dimensions.
TORRE DELLE ISOLE
Various towers on the island:
Sa Scafa, Diavolo, (CA)Cabras, Portoscuso, Bosa, Carloforte, Capo Galera, Porto Conte, Tramariglio (Alghero)
Towers in Ogliastra
S.M.Navarrese (built before 1590)
Torre di Arbatax (built around 1570)
Torre di Capo Bellavista
(built in 1635-40) Situated in Arbatax
Torre di S.Gemiliano (built in 1640) Situated in Porto Frailis, Tortolì
Torre di Barì (built in 1640) Situated in Barisardo
Torre di San Giovanni di Sarrala (built in 1640) Situated in the marina of Tertenia
