Archaeological Museum of Porto Torres

Antiquarium Turritanum Porto Torres: information about the Archaeological Museum

The Antiquarium Turritanum National Archaeological Museum is situated in the archaeological site of Turris Libisonis, the ancient Roman city, where Porto Torres now stands. The colony held strategic importance within the empire: it was, in fact, home to the only port north-west of Sardegna, which had direct links with the port of Ostia. The artefacts housed in the museum come from excavations at the archaeological site. They bear witness to the lively trade links with all regions of the central and western Mediterranean and the Aegean.

The archaeological site is one of the most fascinating examples of Roman Sardegna.
The grandeur of the site in ancient Roman times is evident. Indeed, in addition to the flourishing commercial activity facilitated by the port, the surrounding lands of the Nurra were home to extensive cereal crops. Around the ancient city, you can visit the extensive necropolises: the Tanca Borgona Hypogeum; the funerary complexes at Scogliolungo and San Gavino a Mare; and the tombs at Balai. The burials date from the early Imperial period to the early Christian era. The Roman bridge over the river is in perfect condition and features seven elegant arches, a great feat of engineering from the Roman era.

Not to be missed during your visit to the Archaeological Museum of Porto Torres

• The House of Orpheus: this is an ancient patrician house richly decorated with frescoes and terracotta floors covered with mosaics. It is here that you can admire the mosaic depicting Orpheus playing the lyre, surrounded by animals. This is the second mosaic found in Sardegna depicting Orpheus.
• The Central Baths, which date from around the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, were very important thermal baths; in fact, they cover a large block of approximately 2,000 square metres. You can still stroll around, admiring sections of the urban streets paved with trachyte slabs, lined with various shops. Like the great imperial baths, the baths of Turris Libisonis featured areas for cold baths, hot baths, passageways, and rooms for saunas and massages. They represent one of the largest bathing complexes in Roman Sardegna.

For further information, visit the official website of the Archaeological Museum

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Photo by Following Hadrian

Photo and logo credit: Beniculturalionline.it

See also… The Garibaldi Museum in Caprera