city of porto torres - Comune di Porto Torres

CITY OF PORTO TORRES
TOURIST INFORMATION AND
RECEPTION SERVICE FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS
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PREMISE
Since 2012 the City of Porto Torres provides tourist information and reception services for visitors
who disembark from cruise ships. This service is coordinated by the cooperative for cultural and
tourist services “TURRIS Bisleonis”, and benefits from the collaboration of public entities, tour
operators and cultural associations, schools, traders' associations, shopkeepers, in order to
provide to visitors a permanent info-point for the entire stay of the cruise ship in town.
In this way, tourists who do not opt for the excursions can maximize the time they spend in Porto
Torres getting the right information based on their needs and preferences (eg. sites of great
historical and environmental value, means of transport, location of pharmacies, shopping centres,
wi-fi hot spots, public washrooms, health services).
Two Facebook pages, "Porto Torres Cruise" and "Porto Torres Cruceros", have also been
implemented. Here tourists can find, even before arriving, information and photos of the city.
Close to the info-point, a station of the Port Authority is at disposal of the tourists to meet their
needs.
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LOCATION OF DOCK AND INFOPOINT
The docks for cruise ships are established by the Port Authority in relation to the size of the ships
and the sea conditions. The information and reception service can be organized in different ways
according to the points of landing.
In case of large ships docking at the Industrial Port (also called Molo Asi), the municipal
organization sets up a first welcome service right at the disembarkation point, providing the
services of multilingual operators. In this info-point general information are provided about the
area and the passengers are invited to use the free shuttle bus to reach the main info-point
located in the Civic Port, close to the Aragonese Tower, where they will receive more
information, free brochures and maps about monuments, beaches, tourist services, dining
options, shopping centres. The operators will be at the Civic Port info-point throughout the day
and will be available to tourists in case of need for personal assistance.
In case of ships arriving at the Civic Port docks (Molo di Ponente and Molo “Dogana Segni”), only
the info-point of the Aragonese tower will be operative. This dock is located just a short walk
from the main street of Porto Torres, the Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
In case of bad weather, at the request of the Company, the info-point can be transferred inside
the building of the Maritime Station. There visitors can take advantage of a continuous service of
care and hospitality, conveniently located indoors, where they can find more facilities: infocorners, large spaces with chairsforrest, toilets, telephone booths, dining area with newsagent and
tobacconist. The Maritime Station, for its location, is ideal to reach the city-centrein a few steps
and is very close to the archaeological site.
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FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM AND TO THE PORT
The Port Authority of North Sardinia provides free shuttle buses to transport the passengers from
the pier to the info-point at the Aragonese Tower and vice-versa. Buses depart approximately
every 20 minutes and are in service until the time set by the company for reboarding passenger.
In agreement with the Port Authority, the route of the bus may be changed should the info-point
be set up inside the Maritime Station.
STUDENTS GROUP - HERE TO HELP
In collaboration with the schools of Porto Torres, the city
administration has promoted the project "Here to Help".
The students will be available to tourists at various
places: they will be a constant presence on the free shuttle
service, at the info-point, or scattered through the main
streets of the
city and the
most
frequented places. If asked, they will provide further
information. If necessary, they can personally
accompany the tourists on the site chosen for the
visit, to the pharmacy, or they can help with a
translation during the interaction with a trader just
to mention a few examples.
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FOLKLORE AND SHOPPING
Tourists are welcomed at the info-point by a “welcome committee” of folk groups wearing the
traditional costume of Porto Torres, and they often perform traditional dances upon visitors’
arrival. The cruise passengers can then choose to walk in the main shopping street, the Corso
Vittorio Emanuele: during the stay of cruise ships in town, the Corso also hosts the market of local
artisans.
TOUR OPTIONS IN THE TERRITORY OF PORTO TORRES AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS
The area around Porto Torres offers many options to tourists who
want to combine different experiences like culture, leisure,
shopping, gastronomy and environment. Excursions to the famous
towns of Alghero, Grotte di Nettuno, Capo Caccia, Castelsardo are in
fact wellknown. From Porto Torres it is easy to reach Stintino and
the famous Pelosa beach, Sassari – the city of “Candelieri„ (giant
candlesticks symbol of the city‘s religious devotion) , Torralba and
the nuraghe of Santu Antine. We also wish to remind you that the
town of Porto Torres lends itself to a variety of tour packages:
visiting its monuments and beaches on foot, by bus, by bike, on half and full day excursions, also in
combination with other localities, is only a part of what the city has to offer. Finally, do not forget
the potentialities represented by Asinara: they include 4WD tours, the electric panoramic train,
trekking tours, horseback riding, excursions along underwater paths and many others.
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BASILICA OF SAN GAVINO
The Basilica of San Gavino is the largest Romanesque monument of Sardinia. Built in the 11th
century, it is located in the monumental complex of the Monte Agellu hill and its originality lies in
its longitudinally developed plant, characterized by the presence of two apses facing each other.
The Basilica is dedicated to the Martyrs Gavino, Proto and Gianuario, martyred in Turris Libisonis
in 303 AD under the Roman emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Their relics are preserved in the
17th century crypt located under the central nave. The crypt was built after excavations carried
out to search the bodies of the three Saints, in 1614. Recent excavations in Atrio Metropoli,
located in the southern side of the church, have revealed the ancient settlement phases which
have preceded the building of the Romanesque church. In Atrio Metropoli it is currently possible
to visit a portion of the pagan and Christian necropolis of Turris Libisonis.
Admission to the monumental complex and guided tours
P.zza Martiri Turritani/Atrio Metropoli - end of via Indipendenza
Opening hours:
From 1/4 to 5/5: Mon-Sun 9am - 1pm / 3pm - 6pm
From 6/5 to 30/9: Mon-Sun 9am - 1pm / 3pm - 7pm
From 1/10 to 31/10 : Mon-Sun 9am - 1pm / 3pm - 6pm
Rest of the year: advance booking required
Coop. TURRIS Bisleonis
Tel. +39 348 8996823
e-mail: [email protected]
facebook: TURRISbisleonis. Servizi culturali e turistici
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“ANTIQUARIUM TURRITANO” MUSEUM AND ARCHAELOGICAL PARK
The “Antiquarium Turritano” Museum hosts a collection of several ceramic finds, marble statues
and mosaics found in the adjacent Colonia Iulia Turris Libisonis site. The museum complex
develops over two floors with wide views over the archaeological area, where it is possible to
admire the impressive evidence of the Roman city's past, testified by the ruins of the Terme
Centrali (central thermal baths). The magnificent remains of this termal complex are datable to
the end of the 3rd century AD and they are known as Palazzo di re Barbaro (palace of King
Barbaro), the governor who, according to the popular tradition, condemned the martyr Gavino to
death. In Turris Libisonis Archaeological Park, it is also possible to visit: Orpheus domus, Maetzke
thermal baths, the mosaics domus and Pallottino Peristyle.
Antiquarium Turritano and Turris Libisonis Archaeological
Park - Superintendence for Archaeological Heritage in Sassari
and Nuoro
Via Ponte Romano, 99 – Tel. +39 079 514433
Admission and tours by Mibact
Winter opening hours: Tue – Sat 9am - 8pm; Sunday and
holidays 9am - 2pm; closed on Monday
Opening hours in the rest of the year: Tue – Sat 9am - 8pm;
closed on Monday
Archaeological Park free guided tour by Mibact staff
Winter: 9.30am, 11am, 12.30am, 2,30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm
Rest of the year: : 9.30am, 11am, 12.30am, 3pm, 4.30pm, 6pm
Facebook: Antiquarium Turritano
Guided tour reservation: Coop l’Ibis
Tel. +39 392 8383254
e-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ibiscoop.com
facebook: L’Ibis. Servizi culturali e turistici
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CHURCH OF BALAI VICINO
The church of Balai Vicino, also known as San Gavino a Mare, was built on a rocky cliff above the
sea. In this area it is possible to visit some Roman tombs which were also used in the Christian era.
According to the tradition, the church is located in the same place where there are the graves of
the three martyrs. Inside, it is possible to admire its barrel vault. The church orientation to the
north is due to the position of the rock on which it stands. Behind the altar, there is a small
building, built before the church, which is supposed to be a Roman cistern. Outside, on the left
side of the church, a gate leads to hypogea (rock cut tombs) of Roman period. On the walls of the
tomb it is still possible to see the niches where, according to the tradition, the martyrs were
buried. There are also many graffiti left by pilgrims during pilgrimages. The cult of the martyrs, in
fact, is still alive in the territory and every year, on the 3rd of May, the wooden statues of the
three martyrs are carried in procession from the Basilica of San Gavino to the graves of Balai. The
statues remain there, until the day of Whit Sunday , when another procession brings them back to
the Basilica.
Admission to the monumental complex and guided tour
(advance booking required)
Lungomare Balai (Balai promenade, near Balai beach)
Coop. TURRIS Bisleonis
Tel. +39 348 8996823
e-mail: [email protected]
facebook: TURRISbisleonis. Servizi culturali e turistici
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PORT MUSEUM
The first railway in Porto Torres was inaugurated in 1872. The Port Museum building is a typical
industrial shed of the early 1900s, used for storing and shipping the old railway’s merchandise that
could travel at low speed. For this reason it is known to all by the name of ‘la Piccola’ (the Little).
After two years of restoration works, the structure has recently become a museum upon the
Municipality of Porto Torres’s decision: it is now dedicated to the preservation of the historical
memory of the change undergone by the city along with the development of its port. Inside, the
large glass window reminds of the shape of a ship hull: the space hosts a collection of images,
short films and written and oral testimonies from the 1900s. The museum also hosts an exhibition
called ‘the Turritan culture of the sea’, dedicated to the Latin-rig sailing boat: a collection of boats
model reproductions and very ancient tools used for the construction of the sailing Latin boats
testifies the memory of the maritime tradition of the city and its ancient economy. A precious
memory to preserve and pass on.
Port Museum
Via Bassu, next to Maritime Station
Asso.Ve.La.
Tel. +39 347 2751234
Facebook: MUSEO DEL PORTO di Porto Torres
Winter opening hours: Tuesday and Saturday 10am - 1pm
Summer opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday 5pm - 8pm;
Saturday 10am - 1pm
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SEAFRONT, BEACHES AND SEA CAVES, PARKS AND GARDENS
Porto Torres offers the visitors pleasant walks along its seafront and cycle-way. On the whole
coastal arch there are long sandy stretches, perfect for swimming. The Turritan coastline is
articulated and sinuous: the constant sea and wind activity has created picturesque limestone
cliffs, inlets and sea caves, within easy reach of small boats.
BALAI BEACH
Balai beach is located near the first lay-by on the coastal way to
Platamona (SP81), next to the characteristic church built on a rocky
cliff above the sea, known as Balai Vicino The beach is absolutely
the most appreciated by Porto Torres dwellers and tourists. It is
located in a little bay, delimited by rocky coves; the water is crystal
clear. With a large variety of beach facilities, it is accessible to
disabled visitors.
Services: free access to the entire coastline - lifeguard service – equipped with facilities for disabled people - free
parking - free showers – bar beach kiosk
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SCOGLIOLUNGO BEACH
Scogliolungo Beach is located in Via Mare, in the residential area of
Porto Torres. In this area, the colour of the water ranges from blue to
green and it is characterized by a shallow seabed, which makes it
particularly suitable for children. The beach is characterized by a
dolphin statue resting on a rock in the sea.
Services: free access to the entire coastline – equipped with facilities
for disabled people - free parking - free showers – bar
ACQUEDOLCI BEACH
Acquedolci beach is located at the beginning of the promenade, a few
hundred meters from the coast of Scogliolungo. It takes its name from
the small freshwater springs that flow on the seabed fronting the
beach (acquedolci means freshwaters). The sea, very transparent, has a
shallow and mostly sandy seabed. It’s characterized by a set of colours
from emerald green to blue and turquoise.
Services: free access to the entire coastline - free parking - free showers – beach bar kiosk
RENAREDDA BEACH
The little Renaredda beach is located at the beginning of the
promenade, near the square dedicated to the 'Heroes' wave'.
The beach is made of light coloured medium grain sand. The seabed is
shallow, characterized by the presence of rocks, with shades of colour
including different nuances of turquoise.
Services: free access to the entire coastline - free parking - free showers
- bar - adjacent newsstand with snack and beverage vending machine
LA FARRIZZA BEACH
The Farrizza is a small beach located along the main road to Platamona,
about a kilometer away from the church of Balai Lontano.
It is a small and beautiful bay which can be reached following a short
foot path.
Services: free access to the entire coastline - free parking
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IL PONTE
This place is named after the rocky arch wich everybody can admire from
the limestone terraces facing the emerald sea.
It is the ideal place for the lovers of rocky beaches and diving. Within
easy reach from the cycle-way. It is possible to park on the third lay-by
along Platamona coast road.
SAN GAVINO PARK
San Gavino Park is located near the Romanesque Basilica of San Gavino, with
entrances from via Sassari, Via Manno and Largo Sabelli.
The park offers several games for children, benches, a picnic area and a path
between the green areas.
BALAI PARK
Balai Park overlooks the beach and it is adjacent to the picturesque church built
on a rocky cliff above the sea. It can be accessed from the coast road to
Platamona and from the Balai promenade. The park is characterized by green
areas, walkways and wide spaces where it is possible to spend some leisure time
or sunbathing.
BADEN POWELL PARK
Baden Powell Park is a green area, about seven hectares wide, recently
redeveloped by the municipality. The main access to the park is in via Tramontana,
and two other entrances are located along the coast road of Balai. Inside there are
jogging circuits, shaded picnic areas and trails among palms and Mediterranean
brush.
QUATTROZAMPE PARK
Quattrozampe Park is dedicated to your four legged friends and it is located in a
marked and delimited area. It can be accessed by via Tramontana or through
Baden Powell Park. It is equipped with dog games, benches for owners, waste bins
and drinking troughs. Opening hours: from October to April: 9am – 5pm; from May
to September: 8am – 8pm.
CHICO MENDES PARK
The park overlooks the bay of Balai: it offers green spaces, a large square with
benches and space to sit. The area is accessible from sunrise to sunset. Chico
Mendes Park is accessed by via Balai and by the beginning of the coast road to
Platamona.
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CYCLE PATH
The bike and pedestrian path runs all along the coast of the city; ideally it connects
the two churches on the sea, Balai Lontano and Balai Vicino, and continues along
the walk until the entrance of the port. Along the way, it is possible to admire the
transparency of the Asinara Gulf sea, Balai beach, and small coves and cliffs that
characterize the Turritan coast. The rink is open from sunrise to sunset.
BELVEDERE PARK
Belvedere Park is located in via Balai and is accessed from the gate situated near
the crossroad with Via Lussu.
The area is suitable for families and offers many games for the little ones. The
opening is guaranteed from sunrise to sunset.
LA FARRIZZA PINEWOOD
The pinewood winds from Balai Lontano until Platamona. It can be accessed by a
path which starts from the front of the church of Balai Lontano; it is a vast green
area which stretches for about two kilometers, especially popular with those who
like walking, jogging and mountain biking. It was subject of redevelopment by the
city administration to improve enjoyment and safety.
SHOPPING AND MARKETS
The promenade along the Turritan shopping streets starts from Corso Vittorio Emanuele, in the old city centre,
and goes on to the Basilica of San Gavino, up to via Balai and Viale delle Vigne
Between Piazza Umberto I, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Garibaldi and Lungomare Balai (Balai promenade)
there are also many pubs and bars: on summer evenings, the Historical Center is closed to traffic, thus favouring
pleasant strolls among
ethnic
markets , concerts and shows.
Porto Torres offers various and
colorful
markets:
characteristic
the
takes
place
most
on
Thursday morning, starting from
the crossing between Viale delle
Vigne and Via della Libertà; here it
is
possible
to
buy
excellent
cheeses and meats, fruits and
vegetables, flowers, clothing and
home accessories.
On Tuesday morning, in Largo Sabelli there is the ‘Orto di Gavino’, the market dedicated to small farmers.
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Every second Sunday of the month, and even every third Sunday of the month from June to September, the
antiques market is set up along the arcades of via Mare.
0 km Market (Coldiretti)
Every Tuesday morning in Largo Sabelli (nearby the Basilica of San Gavino), local producers expose and sell culinary products from
the area.
Thursday Market
Every Thursday morning, the weekly market dedicated to wine and food, clothing and household items, takes place between Viale
delle Vigne, Via della Libertà and Piazza Cagliari 1970.
Antiques Market
Every first Sunday of the month, under the covered walk in via Mare.
Craftsmen Market
In summer: everyday from 8:15 pm and Sunday from 5 pm, in Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
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ASINARA NATIONAL PARK AND MARINE PROTECTED AREA
Once known as Hercule’s Island and Mediterranean Cayennes, today the island of Asinara is a
National Park and a jewel in the crown of Turritan Municipality. It is characterized by rugged
coastline, white sand, turquoise waters and fauna that multiplies undisturbed by men’s presence;
quiet and enchanting, it is the ideal destination for people keen on nature and history.
HISTORY
Human habitation on the Island is evidenced by some archaeological sites and dates back to the Neolithic age,
since the 4th millennium BC. These sites are located in the north side of the Island and the most important one is
a Domus de Janas, a tomb carved into soft limestone, near Campu Perdu. Because of its central position in the
Mediterranean, Asinara was known and frequented by Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the island, as the whole Sardegna, passed first into the hands of
Vandals and later to the Byzantine Empire. During Middle Ages, it was inhabited by the Camaldolite monks who
built there their place of worship. From 700 AD, the island suffered from Barbaresque pirates raids. For
thisreason, the old medieval fortress of Castellaccio was renovated at the end of 16th century, while the towers
of Trabuccato, Cala d’Oliva and Cala d’Arena were built at the beginning of the 17th century. The ownership of
Asinara was contested between Pisa, Republic of Genoa, and Kingdom of Aragona: among raids and disputes,
people were forced to withdraw from the coast and moved to Sardinian outback.
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In 1721, it became property of the Savoy Kingdom of Sardinia and began to be repopulated by shepherds and
fishermen from Sardinia, Corsica and Liguria.
In 1885, by order of King Umberto I of Italy, Asinara became an agricultural penal colony and a lazaretto, a
maritime health centre for people in quarantine. About 50 families of farmers and fishermen were forced to
leave the island and return to Sardinia – where they founded the village of Stintino.
During the First World War, the lazaretto hosted thousands of Austro-Hungarian soldiers who arrived there to
serve their imprisonment and also to be treated as they suffered from cholera and typhus. Of the 24,000
prisoners housed in, about 6,000 died and their remains rest in the ossuary.
THE PRISON
Asinara has remained closed to public from 1885 to 1999, in
total isolation strengthened in the 70s by the institution of the
maximum security prison. The prison was made up of over 10
branches located throughout the island, where the prisoners
were divided according to the type of offense and
dangerousness. The branch of Fornelli hosted some vertices of
the Red Brigades during the so-called Years of Lead, a period
of socio-political turmoil in Italy
marked by a wave of
terrorism; closed in 1980, was reopened in 1992 following the
Mafia bloody attempts that killed the judges Falcone and
Borsellino: in those years, well-known Mafia and Camorra
bosses were detained there. In 1985, during the investigation of the first Mafia maxi-trial, the two judges stayed
on the island for security reasons, and today, a marble plaque on the facade of the former guesthouse
commemorates their presence. In 1997 the prison was decommissioned and the National Park was established.
ENVIRONMENT
Asinara is located at the north-western tip of Sardinia. It is a territory of 52 km2, and belongs to Porto Torres
municipality. The island winds through a multicolor stretch of land which
dives into a mirror of crystal clear waters. From the four most imposing
relieves which form its territory, the land slides softly down on the low
and sandy eastern coast, while the western coast is dominated by high
rocky walls, an inaccessible point from the sea and a barrier which
protects the eastern landing area from the mistral. Over this vast territory
grows a mantle of low, sweet-smelling, colorful vegetation; several lentisk
bushes, cistus and juniper trees form the Mediterranean scrub.
Moreover the presence of various species of animals makes the tour around the Park very special: wild boars,
goats, horses, mouflons; Corsican seagulls and tufted cormorants, magpies and partridges.
And the
characteristic white donkey, with its pink muzzle and blue eyes.
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VISITS AND GUIDED TOUR
The Park offers a wide choice of activities and nature trails:

guided tours by jeep, bus, train, electric vehicles;

bike rental, fishing boat tour, charter on sailing boat, equestrian service trail ride;

And also, visits to the ex-prison structures and to the maximum security bunker;

hikes around the island using the appropriate maps, alone or with guides’ help;

excursions along underwater paths and to the Cala Reale underwater archaeological site, the field of
Roman amphorae coming from a sunken ship in the fourth century AD, unique site in the Mediterranean
which contains about 39 thousand objects lying on the seabed, just seven meters deep but clearly
visible using through the transparent sea only a mask and snorkel.
It is also possible to visit: The Environmental Education Center; The Park House (ex La Reale hospital); The Sea
Centre (ex bacteriological laboratory). Sea animals recovery Centre and
the Hospital of the Turtles, where injured sea turtles caught accidentally
receive veterinary care. In the Asinara Park accommodation over-night is
possible at the hostel obtained by the ex Barracks agents in Cala d'Oliva.
There are also some kiosks (Fornelli, Campu Perdu), and two bar /
restaurant in Cala Reale and Cala d'Oliva. It is possible to get to the Island from Porto Torres with Delcomar
public ferries. Private boats can access the Campo Boe of Fornelli, Cala Reale and Cala d’Oliva.
Info: http://www.parcoasinara.org/?modulo=contenuti&id=192
CONTATTI
Ufficio Cultura del Comune di Porto Torres
Piazza Umberto I
Tel. +39 079 5008040
e-mail: [email protected]
Ufficio Comunicazione del Comune di Porto Torres
Dott. Samuele Schirra
Tel. +39 079 5008808 / 079 5008813
e-mail: [email protected]
Reception service for cruise passengers
TURRIS Bisleonis soc. coop. a r.l.
Tel. +39 348 8996823 / 349 8148643
e-mail: [email protected]
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