Oristano has been the capital city of the Judicate of Arborea,
and it offers a beautiful catalogue of monuments,that retain in themselves years and years of history,of different cultures
Tower of San Cristoforo
The tower of San Cristoforo, once the main gateway to the city of Oristano, is located in Piazza Roma and is one of the liveliest spots in city life. It was erected in 1290 by Judge Mariano II of Arborea. For this reason, it is also called the Mariano Tower.
Cathedral
The Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta) overlooks the homonymous street, which every year hosts the Sartiglia, a famous equestrian joust led by “Su Componidori.” Following along Via Mazzini until Piazza Mariano, you will find the Pariglia, where the horsemen perform spectacular equestrian maneuvers.
The current Cathedral, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven, is the result of centuries of rebuilding. The first mention of a modest church in Oristano dates back to the 12th century. In the 13th century, the ancient cathedral was erected by the archbishop de Muru’s will. The present cathedral of the city of Oristano dates back to 1733. In the photo, the standout feature is the bell tower, hexagonal in shape, begun in the 15th century and completed in the 18th century with an imperial crown dome adorned with polychrome tiles.
Piazza Eleonora
La Piazza Eleonora, recentemente restored, is considered the elegant living room of the city of Oristano. In the square, located in the heart of the historic center, is the town hall. The statue, placed in the center of the square, depicts the Judge Eleonora of Arborea and was sculpted by Ulisse Cambi in the 19th century.
Santa Chiara e l’Antiquarium Arborense
The city’s numerous other churches, including the 14th-century Santa Chiara and the Antiquarium Arborense (Oristano Museum), which preserves the most interesting remains of the ancient city of Tharros, complete the city tour.
Cathedral of Santa Giusta
About two kilometers from Oristano, in the direction of Cagliari, we discover in the municipality of Santa Giusta, the homonymous cathedral (1135-1145), one of the jewels of Romanesque architecture in Sardinia.