Tower of San Gemiliano

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The Tower of San Gemiliano, erected in the early seventeenth century, underwent numerous name changes over time: initially known as “del Zaccurro,” it later appeared as “Iacuri,” “Saccuru,” and “del Zacuro,” before becoming “Punta del Sacurro” and, by corruption of pronunciation, “Punta del Soccorso.” It only acquired the name San Gemiliano in 1767, in reference to the nearby rural chapel dedicated to the same saint.

Constructed from locally quarried granite blocks, the tower stands twelve metres tall and features a truncated‑conical plan with a seven‑metre diameter at its base. Perched forty‑two metres above sea level, it commanded the beaches of Orrì and Cea, maintaining a direct line of sight with the Tower of Bari Sardo and the now‑lost Tower of Monte Turri.

Inside, the guard chamber housed a commander—known as the “alcaide”—and two soldiers. Access to the upper fighting platform was via a simple wooden staircase. Although primarily designed as an observation post, the tower was also equipped for light defence: a 1767 report records six muskets, two small artillery pieces (spingarde), and a light cannon in its arsenal.

Decommissioned after 1842 following the dissolution of the Royal Administration of Coastal Towers, the Tower of San Gemiliano today remains a striking monument to Sardinia’s historic coastal warning system and maritime defence heritage.