La Torre dell'Elefante

Defensive tower, designed by the Cagliari architect Giovanni Capula and erected by the Pisans in 1307. At the beginning of the XIV century, threatened by the Aragonese ascent in the Mediterranean Sea, Pisa proceeded to erect imposing towers in order to consolidate its stronghold in the south of Sardinia. Designed by the Sardinian architect Giovanni Capula, the towers of the Elephant and San Pancrazio were praised for their uniqueness, when, in 1535, Charles V, the powerful ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, included them among the best military works of the whole Europe. Completed in 1307, with its walls of thick limestone blocks, its narrow slits and its heavy shutters, the Elephant Tower protected the south-western side of the Castle; built on four levels for a total height of more than thirty meters, it was also an excellent sighting point against possible attacks from the sea. Even today one of the most impressive accesses to the Castle, in the past was also used as a powder magazine, armory and prison. More refined than the twin of San Pancrazio, this tower is also adorned with the marble statue of an elephant, exposed on the façade, perhaps a symbol of the maritime power of Pisa. Returned to its original appearance, the Elephant Tower can now be visited with access to the right side of the church of San Giuseppe. Sc: www.cagliariturismo.it

La Torre dell'Elefante

Defensive tower, designed by the Cagliari architect Giovanni Capula and erected by the Pisans in 1307. At the beginning of the XIV century, threatened by the Aragonese ascent in the Mediterranean Sea, Pisa proceeded to erect imposing towers in order to consolidate its stronghold in the south of Sardinia. Designed by the Sardinian architect Giovanni Capula, the towers of the Elephant and San Pancrazio were praised for their uniqueness, when, in 1535, Charles V, the powerful ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, included them among the best military works of the whole Europe. Completed in 1307, with its walls of thick limestone blocks, its narrow slits and its heavy shutters, the Elephant Tower protected the south-western side of the Castle; built on four levels for a total height of more than thirty meters, it was also an excellent sighting point against possible attacks from the sea. Even today one of the most impressive accesses to the Castle, in the past was also used as a powder magazine, armory and prison. More refined than the twin of San Pancrazio, this tower is also adorned with the marble statue of an elephant, exposed on the façade, perhaps a symbol of the maritime power of Pisa. Returned to its original appearance, the Elephant Tower can now be visited with access to the right side of the church of San Giuseppe. Sc: www.cagliariturismo.it

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