{"id":31199,"date":"2025-01-02T23:21:02","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T22:21:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.costadibaunei.it\/spanish-tower\/"},"modified":"2025-11-27T19:07:52","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T18:07:52","slug":"spanish-tower","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.costadibaunei.it\/en\/spanish-tower\/","title":{"rendered":"Spanish Tower"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Spanish Tower: the sentinel of the Baunei Coast<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Spanish Tower of Santa Maria Navarrese<\/a> is one of the most significant historical and architectural landmarks of the Baunei Coast. Located on the headland separating Central Beach from San Giovanni Beach, the tower tells stories of centuries, legends and battles against Saracen raids. Thanks to its strategic position and its visual link with the Arbatax Tower, it was part of a defensive system that protected the gulf and its coastal communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A SPANISH-ERA DEFENSIVE SYSTEM<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Built around 1591 during the reign of Philip II, the Spanish Tower was part of an extensive defensive network that included more than 40 towers along the Sardinian coastline. These fortifications, supervised by the Royal Administration of the Towers, were designed to detect pirate incursions and send alarm signals using fire and smoke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curiously known as the \u201cSaracen Tower\u201d even though it was constructed to defend against pirates, the tower in Santa Maria Navarrese was equipped with cannons and garrisoned by an alcaide, an artilleryman and a small group of soldiers. Historical documents show how the garrison had to remain alert at all times, both day and night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ARCHITECTURE AND FEATURES<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With its truncated conical shape, the Spanish Tower is divided into three levels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n