Museums and Culture — Porto Torres
Porto Torres: Antiquarium Turritano, Turris Libisonis
and 2,000 years of Roman history in northern Sardinia
“Porto Torres is our town. Every day we see it as a ferry port. But beneath its feet lies Turris Libisonis, the only Roman colony in Sardinia according to Pliny the Elder — with baths, a forum, mosaics. And very few people know it.”
In Porto Torres you can see ancient Rome in half a day: the archaeological area of Turris Libisonis with the baths known as the “Palazzo di Re Barbaro” and the mosaics, the Roman bridge over the Rio Mannu (early 1st century AD) and the Basilica of San Gavino, free to enter. Turris Libisonis, founded around 46 BC, was the island's only true Roman colony: the modern town has grown on top of the ancient one. And on the edge of town lies the Su Crucifissu Mannu necropolis, a UNESCO site since 2025 as part of the “Domus de Janas” (prehistoric rock-cut tombs).
2,000 years of Roman history — and hardly any tourists know it.
The archaeological area costs a few euros, the Basilica of San Gavino is free. In half a day you'll see everything — and you're 30 minutes from Stintino.
Turris Libisonis — the Roman town
Porto Torres began life as Turris Libisonis, a Roman colony founded around 46 BC, probably at the wish of Julius Caesar — the main trading port of northern Sardinia. It exported grain, timber and minerals to Rome. The town had baths, a forum, temples and a well-equipped harbour. Part of all this is still visible — and the Antiquarium Turritano holds the finds.
Porto Torres is a convenient base, often better value, for the North-West — 30 min from Stintino, 40 from Alghero, 35 from Castelsardo. → See where to stay near the Roman sites
You're walking on top of a 2,000-year-old Roman town.
In summer the archaeological areas are open-air and in full sun: best visited early in the morning or late in the afternoon (check opening times).
Turritano Antiquarium
The Antiquarium Turritano National Archaeological Museum, next to the archaeological area, displays finds from Turris Libisonis: statues, inscriptions, mosaics, pottery and everyday objects. Since December 2025 it has been closed for a new layout, while the archaeological area has stayed open: before you go, check on the website of the Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Sardegna whether the museum has reopened.
Basilica of San Gavino
One of the largest Romanesque churches in Sardinia, built in the 11th century by Pisan craftsmen for Comita, giudice (ruler) of Torres, on top of early Christian remains. The crypt holds the martyrs of Porto Torres, Gavino, Proto and Gianuario. Free entry.
The baths of the Palazzo di Re Barbaro
The large Roman baths known as the “Palazzo di Re Barbaro”, inside the archaeological area of Turris Libisonis (ticket required; check visiting times) — mosaics, pools and rooms heated by the hypocaust system. Direct evidence of everyday Roman life on the island.
Roman bridge
The Roman bridge over the Rio Mannu is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in Sardinia — built in the early 1st century AD and still standing. Within walking distance of the centre, next to the archaeological area.
Guided tours with a local guide
Some tours offer guided visits to the Roman excavations and the Basilica with specialist guides — historical context, anecdotes and details you won't find on any information panel.
→ Discover tours and experiences in northern Sardinia
FAQ — Roman Porto Torres
What was Turris Libisonis?
Turris Libisonis was the Roman colony of northern Sardinia, the only one on the island according to Pliny the Elder: founded around 46 BC, it remained active for about 600 years. It was an important trading port that exported grain, timber, metals and Sardinian farm produce to Rome. The town had the typical features of Romanisation — forum, baths, aqueduct, a well-equipped harbour. The remains of this town lie beneath and around present-day Porto Torres, and the Antiquarium Turritano holds its most significant finds.
Is the Basilica of San Gavino worth visiting?
Yes: the Basilica of San Gavino is one of the largest Romanesque churches in Sardinia and one of the island's most important medieval monuments. It was built in the 11th century by Pisan craftsmen for Comita, giudice (ruler) of Torres; it is about 58 metres long, has two opposing apses (it has no façade) and a three-nave interior. The crypt holds the relics of the martyrs of Porto Torres, Gavino, Proto and Gianuario, killed in the early 4th century. Entry is free.
Holiday homes in Porto Torres
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