The road that runs along the coastal perimeter of the Maddalena, the ‘older sister’ of a good 60 islands and islets and land off the border of Sardinia’s north-east, has been theatre of epic naval battles since ancient times.
In the second half of the 18th century, with the advent of the Piedmontese who made it a support base for Sardinian Navy vessels, La Maddalena, Santo Stefano and other areas of the archipelago were ‘reinforced’ by fortifications: the Square tower, the San Vittorio fort, also called the Old Guard, and other forts including the Sant’Andrea, Balbiano, Sant’Agostino and Santa Teresa (also called Sant’Elmo). All are visible from the sea, to discourage pirate attacks.
At the beginning of 19th century, the defensive system was implemented by the Carlo Felice fort or ‘Camicia’, to protect the Maddalena passage of the Moneta, and by the San Giorgio fort in Santo Stefano. The structures were replaced over time.
Other sighting posts and fortifications arose from the late 19th century through to the world wars. More powerful batteries were constructed, occupying positions facing the sea, such as that of Nido d’Aquila and Punta Tegge in the south-western area, Punta Rossa in Caprera, and on the mainland in Punta Sardegna (Palau) and in Capo Tre Monti (Arzachena).
Other Maddalena forts on high ground, such as Guardia Vecchia and Trinita, which dominates the beach of the same name have also strategic importance.
The archipelago, now a national park, hides, anti-aircraft posts camouflaged amongst the rocks such as Spalmatore cove and another vast array of strategic locations such as Carlotto, Zavagli, Zanotto, Pietrajaccio, Candeo, Cervo Mass, Poggio Baccà, Isola del Porco, Teialone and Punta dello Zucchero.
Fondazione Sardegna Film Commission
Via Malta 63 — 09124 Cagliari
Phone: +39 070 2041961
Email: filmcommission@regione.sardegna.it
