A postcard from Sardinia: the Torre dell’Elefante
Greetings from Cagliari
The Torre dell’Elefante was built in 1307 when Cagliari was under Pisan rule. It takes its name from the small carving of an elephant on a ledge part way up; the elephant was one of the symbols of Pisa at that time. The tower was part of the city’s fortifications against expected attack by Aragonese forces. It was damaged in 1708 by English bombing, in 1717 by Spanish cannons, and finally lost its top part in 1793 during a French attack. Restored in the early 20th century, its white limestone gleams in the sun.
30 Comments
Annie Berger
Sardinia – another place on my travel wish list! Never knew that Pisa and thus Sardinia were associated with elephants. Looking forward to reading more about your getaway trip.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Annie – the elephants were news to me too!
Mari Nicholson
What a lovely place in which to spend a weekend. Hope it was a good one and that the weather was kind to you. Look forward to reading your posts about it.
Sarah Wilkie
Yes it was great and the weather good, though there was a chilly wind at night (the Mistral was blowing). Posts to follow some time, although I’m still catching up on Mexico!
grandmisadventures
I love the elephant on the building- its like a small visual gift given to everyone 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
Oh, I like that way of looking at it 😀
Tanja
Lovely elephant
Sarah Wilkie
Sweet, isn’t he?!
Anonymous
I wouldn’t have expected the elephant to be a Sardinian symbol. Thanks for the information.
Sarah Wilkie
It goes back to Pisan rule but I have no idea why they had an elephant as a symbol, and I don’t recall seeing any elephants there
thehungrytravellers.blog
Ah I love Sardinia, although I haven’t been to Cagliari, just Alghero and Sassari. I look forward to hearing more!
Sarah Wilkie
On our way home today, it’s just been a weekend break. Much more to share in due course. Would you recommend Alghero?
thehungrytravellers.blog
Absolutely – lovely little town. Although it’s probably almost twenty years since I was there
Monkey's Tale
I love that the tower is named after this little elephant! Maggie
Sarah Wilkie
I loved that too! You know how fond I am of elephants 🐘
kzmcb
Quite imposing.
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, very 😀
bushboy
How wonderful to have an elephant
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, I love the idea of this small elephant guarding the city!
bushboy
Same 🐘
Sue
Isn’t he rather wonderful!
Sarah Wilkie
Yes – I love elephants, even limestone ones 🐘🐘
satyam rastogi
History and this beautiful pictures are fascinating 😊😊
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you 😀
Graham Stephen
🐘🐘🐘
-✧✦☆❖◈❋✤☆✦-∞-♡-∞-✦☆✤❋◈❖☆✦✧-
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Graham 😀 🐘
margaret21
History, cuteness, and an azure sky. Hope you’re livin’ the dream, you two, because it looks like it!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Margaret 😀 We’ve really enjoyed our short break here but heading home tomorrow!
Rebecca
Ah, I saw this little guy when I visited Sardinia several years ago! Such a subtle detail, but a very cute one regardless. Thanks for sharing, Sarah 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
Glad to have reminded you of your own visit Rebecca 😀