Porto Torres

Infobox CityIT
img_coa =
official_name = Porto Torres
name = Porto Torres
region = Sardinia
province = Province of Sassari (SS)
elevation_m =
area_total_km2 = 102.62
population_as_of = Dec. 2004
population_total = 21064
population_density_km2 = 205
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|40|50|N|8|24|E|type:city(21,064)_region:IT
frazioni =
telephone = 079
postalcode = 07046
gentilic = turritani
saint = San Gavino
day =
mayor =
website =
mapy = 8.4000
mapx = 40.8333

Porto Torres (Latin: Turris Libyssonis, Turris Libissonis, or Turris Libisonis; Greek: polytonic|Πύργος Λιβύσσωνος – "Pyrgos Libyssonos"; Sassarese: Pòltu Tòrra; Sardinian: Pòrtu Tòrres), is a "comune" and city in northern Sardinia, in the Province of Sassari), it has an area of 102.62 km² and a population of 21,064.All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.]

History

In ancient times, Turris Libyssonis was one of the most considerable cities in Sardinia. It is situated on the north coast about 25 km east of the Gorditanian promontory (Capo del Falcone), and on the spacious bay now called Golfo dell'Asinara. It was probably of purely Roman origin, founded apparently by Julius Caesar, as it bears the title "Colonia Julia". Pliny tells us it was a colony, the only on the island in his time, and we may probably infer from its name that there was previously no town on the spot, but merely a fort or "castellum". (Plin. iii. 12. s. 17.) It is noticed also by Ptolemy and in the Itineraries, but without any indication that it was a place of any importance. (Ptol. iii. 3. § 5; Itin. Ant. p. 83.) But the ancient remains still existing prove that it must have been a considerable town under the Roman Empire; and we learn from the inscriptions on ancient milestones that the principal road through the island ran directly from Caralis (Cagliari) to Turris, a sufficient proof that the latter was a place much frequented. Indeed, two roads, which diverged at Othoca (modern Santa Giusta) connected Caralis to Turris, the more important keeping inland and the other following the west coast. It was also an episcopal see during the early part of the Middle Ages. The existing port at Porto Torres, which is almost wholly artificial, is based in great part on Roman foundations; and there exist also the remains of a temple (which, as we learn from an inscription, was dedicated to Fortune, and restored in the reign of Philip), of "thermae", of a basilica and an aqueduct, as well as a bridge over the adjoining small river, still called the "Fiume Turritano". The ancient city continued to be inhabited till the 11th century, when the greater part of the population migrated to Sassari, about 15 km inland, and situated on a hill. (De la Marmora, "Voy. en Sardaigne", vol. ii. pp. 363,468-72; Smyth's Sardinia, pp. 263-66.)

ights

The 11th-century, three-naved Cathedral of San Gavino, which was built using only precious hardstones like marble, porphyry and granite, is the largest Romanesque church in Sardinia. Instead of the usual western facade and eastern apse, the cathedral sports two apses. The crypt holds several Roman sarcophagi.

Communications and Industry

The port is connected by ferries with Genoa and Marseille, Expressway SS131/E25 to Sassari and Cagliari, and a national road to Santa Teresa Gallura (SS200).

Chemical industries support the modern economy of Porto Torres.

References

*SmithDGRG
*1911