Torre di San Giovanni
A 16th-century defense tower in Alghero, now a vibrant town square centerpiece with a unique interactive art experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Torre di San Giovanni
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 16th-century defense tower in Alghero, now a vibrant town square centerpiece with a unique interactive art experience.
"A non-conventional historical place, a very pleasant surprise with a unique art experience."
🎨 Interactive Art Fun
Don't miss the unique art experience inside! Scan your drawings to see them on the walls. :art:
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Town
The tower is a great starting point for wandering Alghero's charming streets. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Torre di San Giovanni's Historical Core
Alghero Old Town
A 16th-century defense tower now a centerpiece in a lively town square, rich with history.
Interactive Art Experience
Inside Torre di San Giovanni
Engage with history through a unique, hands-on art project where you scan your drawings onto the walls.
Alghero's Coastal Panorama
Near Torre di San Giovanni
Enjoy breathtaking views of the marina and coastline, especially stunning during sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Torre di San Giovanni
Beyond the Tower: Alghero's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎨 Interactive Art Fun
Don't miss the unique art experience inside! Scan your drawings to see them on the walls. :art:
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Town
The tower is a great starting point for wandering Alghero's charming streets. :walking:
🌅 Sunset Views
The area around the tower offers stunning sunset vistas. :city_sunset:
🍕 Pizza Perfection
Enjoy a delicious pizza at a local spot like Cajò after your visit. :pizza:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎨 Interactive Art Fun
Don't miss the unique art experience inside! Scan your drawings to see them on the walls. :art:
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Town
The tower is a great starting point for wandering Alghero's charming streets. :walking:
🌅 Sunset Views
The area around the tower offers stunning sunset vistas. :city_sunset:
🍕 Pizza Perfection
Enjoy a delicious pizza at a local spot like Cajò after your visit. :pizza:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are pleasantly surprised by Torre di San Giovanni, appreciating its non-conventional historical approach and the engaging interactive art experience. While some note it's one of many defense towers, its central location in a lively square and the unique artistic element make it a memorable stop. The surrounding area offers beautiful coastal views and dining options.
"We visited Torre di San Giovanni as part of the Alghero Experience ticket and were very pleasantly surprised by the fact that it was a non-conventional historical place to visit. Instead of a classic guided walk with texts and ancient objects, we were welcomed by two young and friendly hosts that gave us a challenge: to paint fishes on a white paper and then scan them into a cool software and show them on the walls. Yes, a childish experience but a very pleasant surprise."
Marcel Pîrvu
"Another of Alghero's old town towers, this one was built in the 16th century and today has become the centre of a sort of square."
David Smith
"Alghero's landscape is dotted with towers that were once part of the city's defenses. St John Tower is now surrounded by the city and acts more like a centerpiece for a city square that is rich with shops, restaurants and cafés. It is also used by the municipality as a backdrop for street art."
Georges Younes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Torre di San Giovanni is located in the heart of Alghero's old town, making it easily accessible on foot if you're staying nearby. If arriving by car, look for parking outside the historic center and walk in. Public transport options are also available to reach the town center.
Yes, Torre di San Giovanni is one of several historical defense towers in Alghero and is now integrated into the city's vibrant town square, surrounded by shops and cafes.
Many visitors enjoy a walking tour of Alghero's old town, which includes several of its historic towers. Torre di San Giovanni is a key point of interest within this exploration.
While boat tours often focus on Neptune's Grotto, some may offer coastal views of Alghero, potentially including glimpses of the towers from the sea.
Yes, as you approach Alghero's old town, you can often see the tower as part of the city's skyline. Drone footage also provides unique aerial perspectives. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the square where Torre di San Giovanni is located is free. However, there might be a fee for specific interactive exhibits or guided tours within the tower itself.
Opening hours can vary, especially for any internal exhibits. It's best to check locally or with tourist information upon arrival, as the surrounding square is always accessible.
The interactive art experience within Torre di San Giovanni is often included with a general Alghero Experience ticket or may have a separate small fee. Visitors have found it to be a pleasant surprise.
For specific exhibits or tours within the tower, online booking might be available, especially during peak season. It's advisable to check the official Alghero tourism website.
Yes, an 'Alghero Experience' ticket often includes access to multiple historical sites, including Torre di San Giovanni and its interactive elements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can participate in a unique interactive art experience where you paint fish, scan them, and see them projected onto the walls. It's a fun, non-conventional historical visit.
Absolutely! The interactive art project is described as a 'childish experience' but very pleasant, making it enjoyable for families.
Built in the 16th century, it was part of Alghero's defensive system. Today, it serves as a focal point in a lively city square.
Yes, the tower itself, the surrounding square, and the nearby coastal views offer excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunset. Drone photography also captures unique angles.
The tower is situated in a bustling town square filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the tower is located in a central square surrounded by numerous restaurants and cafes offering local Sardinian cuisine.
Cajò is recommended for pizza, and other spots offer seafront dining with beautiful views, perfect for enjoying local dishes. +1
Many restaurants in the vicinity offer sea views, making it a great spot to enjoy dinner or drinks while watching the sunset.
Seafood and traditional Sardinian dishes, including excellent pizza, are very popular in Alghero.
Absolutely, with many restaurants offering charming settings and sea views, it's an ideal location for a romantic meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the tower from the square, frame it with the surrounding architecture, or head to the nearby coast for panoramic shots.
Golden hour, especially during sunset, offers beautiful lighting for both the tower and the coastal scenery. +1
Drone photography is popular for capturing unique perspectives of the tower and coastline, as seen in several social media posts. Always check local regulations.
Drones can capture sweeping views of the tower, the marina, the coastline, and the Mediterranean Sea, offering a dramatic perspective.
Yes, photographing your own scanned artwork on the walls is a unique and memorable part of the experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with a stroll along the waterfront or exploring other parts of Alghero's old town, which is generally walkable and offers many sights to keep children entertained. The relaxed atmosphere of the town square also makes it a comfortable place to spend time.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Plan to visit around sunset for breathtaking views of the Alghero coastline. Many restaurants nearby offer romantic dining experiences with sea views, perfect for enjoying local Sardinian cuisine and wine.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1The real magic happens during the golden hour. The sunsets over the Alghero coastline are spectacular and offer incredible opportunities for dramatic landscape shots. Drone photography is also popular here, providing unique aerial perspectives of the tower, marina, and the Mediterranean Sea.
+1 Don't forget to capture the unique projections from the interactive art exhibit inside! Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Defense of Alghero's Towers
Unlike some historical sites that can feel static, Torre di San Giovanni has been revitalized. It now serves as a focal point in a lively city square, blending its historical significance with contemporary life. This integration makes it more than just a monument; it's a living part of the community.
Visitors often remark on how this tower offers a 'non-conventional historical place to visit.' This is largely due to the unique interactive art experience it hosts, transforming a historical structure into a dynamic space for engagement and creativity.
Experiencing Alghero's Coastal Beauty
+1Many visitors highlight the spectacular sunsets visible from this part of Alghero. The golden light casting over the water and the town creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for photography or simply enjoying a moment of tranquility.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the tower, Alghero itself is renowned for its beautiful beaches and rugged natural landscapes, making it a prime destination for those seeking both history and natural beauty.
The Unique Interactive Art at Torre di San Giovanni
The experience typically involves drawing or painting simple images, often fish, on provided paper. These creations are then scanned and projected onto the walls of the tower, creating a dynamic and ever-changing art display. It’s a unique way to engage with the space and leave your own mark.
This 'childish experience' is highly praised for being a 'very pleasant surprise,' offering a refreshing departure from traditional museum visits. It makes the historical site accessible and engaging for all ages, particularly families.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit