Sardegna: Oristano

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Oristano is located in the western plains of Sardegna/Sardinia. Founded in 1070 (and possibly earlier), Oristano has a rich history. First stop: Piazza Roma and the Torre di Mariano II/Torre di San Cristoforo. This 13^th century crenellated tower (bell tower) that was once part of the ancient city walls. The Piazza Roma is a grand piazza with cafes and shops. Just off Piazza Roma is the Corso Umberto (pedestrians only), a shopping street with fine palazzi (Palazzo Silviera and Palazzo Falchi). The evening passagiata is taken here. As you stroll the Corso Umberto you come to the Piazza Eleonora D’Arborea. Her statue is in the middle of the square. Eleonora ruled the town in the 14^th century (she was well loved and respected) and she wrote the Carta de Logu — laws which were eventually adopted all over Sardegna/Sardinia. The Chiesa di San Francesco is a neoclassical church with some fine pieces of art: a wooden statue of Christ, a painting by Cavaro (The Stigmata of San Francesco) and a statue of St. Basil by Pisano. The duomo (13^th century) is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and is a mix of architectures. It was rebuilt in the 17^th and 18^th century. Of note here is the dome made of multicolored tiles (and in the shape of an onion) and the Baroque octagonal bell tower/campanile. The inside of the duomo is very beautiful — do take time to look in the Capella del Rimedio. You can also visit the treasury/Tesoro del Duomo with religious artifacts. The Chiesa di Santa Chiara is a 14^th century Gothic church on Via Garibaldi. On Via Parpaglia is the Antiquarium Arborense with artifacts, paintings and local history (in the Palazzo Parpaglia). Tuesday and Friday are market days in Oristano.