Roman testimonies
The island does not demonstrate much evidence of Roman construction except for those found in the meridian area, with the theatre of Nora and the amphitheatre of Cagliari whilst in the occidental area there are the ruins of Tharros and the fountains of Fordongianus.
Nora (CA):
Here it is possible to visit the Roman urban complex with its beautiful mosaics, spas and theatre. To get to Nora from Cagliari you should take the SS195 towards Pula. Once there take the through-road for around 3km until arriving at Cala di Pula, then follow the SS195 until the Torre di Chia (tower of Chia) where you can see the remains of the Punic-Roman city of Bithia, with 2 Punic-Roman buildings, a sanctuary with a sacred shrine and the remains of a necropolis.
Tharros (OR):
In Tharros you can find the remains of an ancient Roman port, originally built by the Carthaginians and used by the Byzantines after the fall of the Roman empire. To arrive in Tharros from Oristano proceed towards Cabras and San Giovanni di Sinis for around twenty kilometres.
Fordongianus:
In Fordongianus, called Forum Traiani during the time of the Romans, you can admire the remains of the spa baths "La Natatio" dating back to the first century AD. To arrive in Fordongianus take the crossroads towards Siamaggiore on the SS 131 and then head towards Zerfaliu, Ollastra and Villanova Truscheddu.
Porto Torres:
In Porto Torres, named Turris Libinosis by the Romans, you can see the remains of the Roman spas "Palazzo del Re Barbaro" built between the third and fourth centuries AD. The Roman church of San Gavino is considered to be one of the most beautiful monuments of Pisan influence in the whole of the island. Along with the commercial and industrial port you can also see the tower of Porto Torres, built by the Spanish around the mid 500's AD.
