Bastioni Antonio Pigafetta, Alghero

The Bastioni Antonio Pigafetta in Alghero is a historic defensive structure located in the northern part of the Old Town, between the Bastioni Marco Polo and Saint Elmo's Tower. Known for its stunning views of the Port of Alghero, the bastion offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Built to protect the city from seafaring invaders, the bastion has sustained damage over the centuries but still retains an impressive presence.

This stretch of fortification begins near Holy Cross Square (Piazza Santa Croce), descending from the area once home to the Santa Chiara Hospital, which now houses one of Italy’s top architecture departments. The path extends northward toward the Powder Tower (Torre della Polveriera), another significant monument. As you walk along this section, you encounter a semicircular structure known as False Tower (Torre Falsa), a strategic lookout without entrances that allows defenders to monitor the entire coastline.

The Bastioni Antonio Pigafetta provides a wide promenade that leads up to the Torre di Sant'Elmo, where you can climb to enjoy panoramic views. From this vantage point, you can see the Gulf of Alghero and the surrounding areas, an essential part of the city’s original defense system. Historically, no ship could approach the city without being spotted from here. Though the southern front of the city was left exposed, this gap was later fortified with what is now called the Bastioni Cristoforo Colombo.

The Bastioni Antonio Pigafetta also features a narrow brick walkway near Saint Elmo's Tower, which leads to the site of the city’s original sea gate, once the primary access point for boats entering Alghero. The bastion, along with the surrounding walls and towers, represent Alghero’s oldest section, despite the numerous alterations and renovations over the centuries.