Turris Libisonis: The Roman Metropolis of Northern Sardinia

Those arriving in Porto Torres today see a modern industrial seaport. But you only need to dig a few inches under the asphalt to discover that this city rests upon an empire.

Walking through the current Archaeological Park, you can admire the foundations of the Palace of King Barbaro (actually a huge thermal complex) and the Domus of Orpheus, an ancient patrician villa. But the real engineering masterpiece that defies time is the Roman Bridge over the Mannu River: 135 meters long and supported by seven arches, it is the largest Roman bridge in Sardinia. And the incredible thing is that, after two thousand years, it is still there, perfectly preserved.

The Underground World: Between Sacred, Profane, and Mystery

If the emerged city tells of life and commerce, it is in the underground of Porto Torres that the most fascinating secrets are hidden. A journey that crosses millennia in two unmissable stops.

The peculiarity? To access this archaeological marvel discovered in 2000, you will have to enter the basement of a private club/local bar. Don't expect the aseptic entrance of a large museum: the place is spartan, authentic, perhaps a bit neglected. But it is exactly this absurd contrast—sipping a coffee in a random bar and then going down a flight of stairs to find yourself face to face with two-thousand-year-old Roman frescoes—that makes the visit an adventure worthy of Indiana Jones. A piece of authentic, unfiltered Italy.

Exploring these underground labyrinths (some have up to 14 interconnecting rooms!), you will notice the horns of the "Bull God" carved on the walls. This site is shrouded in two great mysteries that still divide archaeologists:

• Cranial trepanation: A human skull was found here showing clear signs of a surgical operation on the skull performed while the patient was alive. An unthinkable level of prehistoric medicine.
• The enigmatic grooves: On the rocky surface above the tombs, there are deep and very long parallel grooves. For a long time it was thought they were the marks left by Roman chariots, but their illogical and steep position makes scholars lean towards a much more mysterious origin, linked to complex religious rituals of communication with the gods.

Your Base Camp at Villa Malvasio

To explore a territory so dense with history, jumping from prehistoric Domus de Janas to imperial Roman bridges, logistical organization is everything.

By choosing Villa Malvasio as your strategic retreat on the outskirts of Sassari, you will find yourself just a few minutes by highway (SS131) from Porto Torres. After a morning spent deciphering frescoes hidden in the underground, you will escape the heat and city chaos by returning to our oasis. With only 8 beds, we guarantee an unparalleled "Hushpitality" (the luxury of silence): park your car in the shade and enjoy a dip in the pool while you plan your next discovery.

🕒 Practical Info and Visits

• Archaeological Park and Antiquarium Turritano: Located in Via Ponte Romano in Porto Torres. The museum collects the artifacts found in the excavations and offers access to the ancient Roman baths.
• Hypogeum of Via Libio 53: Access is through the private premises above. We recommend checking opening hours in advance through the local tourist office, as management can vary.
• Necropolis of Su Crucifissu Mannu: Located along the SS131 towards Sassari-Porto Torres. Access to the open-air archaeological site is generally free, but we recommend caution when exploring the cavities.