Torre San Gemigliano

The tower of San Gemiliano is a tower that is part of the complex of fortified structures that, from the early Middle Ages until the mid-nineteenth century, formed the defense, watch and communication system of the coastal strip of Sardinia.

It is located along the east coast of Sardinia, in Ogliastra, a few hundred meters from the town of Arbatax, as well as about four kilometers from Tortolì. The tower dates back to the early seventeenth century. The architectural structure of the tower gives it a distinctly slender appearance. The shape is truncated cone, with 12 m in height and only 7 m in diameter. Inside there is a small chamber of about 13 m².

The tower was created with the function of a lookout and immediate defense from pirate attack. Located at 42 m above sea level, it has a view of 25 km toward the sea. It dominates the beaches of Orrì and Cea and was in direct visual contact with the tower of Barì and the no longer existing tower of Bellavista. The structure can be visited. It can be reached either from the beach or from a small unpaved road that intersects with San Gemiliano Street.