The territory that today includes Oristano, was originally occupied by the nuragic population, followed by the Phoenicians who built its predecessor: Tharros – a city and important trade centre on the coast of Sinis. The Oristano Province is an essential part of the natural museum that typifies Sardinia along with one of its outstanding characteristics – an innate sense of hospitality. An attractive area where life is far from the hubbub of modern living. Made up of various geographic elements, the Oristano area extends to the west of Sardinia, from Campidano to the north of the Planargia region, including the Golfo di Oristano, the Penisola del Sinis desert and numerous ponds, the Montiferru, with its characteristic woods and green oasis at S. Leonardo and Santu Lussurgiu.
This province is very important environmentally. Two of the seven regional parks are located here – Sinis-Montiferru and Monte Arci, the salty ponds of international importance among those protected by the Ramsar Convention, the fauna including a great variety some of which are rare. Oristano, situated south of the River Tirso, in the centre of the vast Campidano Oristanese plain, not far from the sea, was founded in the 11th century and became the regional town of Giudicato d’Arborea in 1070. The centre welcomes visitors in Piazza Roma where the Torre di Mariano II (also called Maggiore door or S. Cristoforo) was erected, one of the few remaining evidences of the medieval surrounding wall. The most ancient heart of the city centres around Eleonora d’Arborea Square where there is a monument dedicated to the most important woman of Italian history, Eleonora d’Arborea, judge of d’Arborea from 1383 to 1404, and the Palazzo Comunale, ex-convent of Scolopi.
A mere 10 m. away, the Duomo dell’Assunta, an imposing building composed of different styles, built in the 18th century, flanked by a majestic octagonal bell tower with its top in baroque style.
Opposite is the characteristic Seminario Tridentino Arborense building and the S. Francesco church in neo-classical style. Worth a visit is the Antiquarium Arborense in the Parpaglia building, the most important museum of the province that contains Punic and Roman remains from Tharros and the Sinis Peninsula, as well as Nuragic finds and valuable paintings. In the narrow streets of the centre can also be found the Palazzo De Castro, the S. Domenico church and above all the S. Chiara church, erected in 1343. The Ns. Signora del Carmine church is a valuable example of Rococo style, constructed by the d’Arcais family, as indicated by the coat of arms on the front of the building. At the end of Via Garibaldi is the Portixedda keep, part of the 14th century fortification, with a cone-shaped base surmounted by a strong cylindrical shape. A visit to the Santuario della Madonna del Rimedio,to the north of the city is advisable, where every year (8th September) the Festa della Vergine takes place, attracting a large number of the faithful. Towards Cagliari, following the signs for the sea, brings you to Marina di Torregrande, the Oristanian beach, dominated by the Gran Torre, the largest of the 100 built by the Spanish in the 16th century.
About 10 km. north-west of the city, near the Càbras pond, are Riola Sardo and Baratili, agricultural centres well known for the production of the renowned Vernaccia. At Riola Sardo the 16th century dwelling Patrizia dei Carta and the S. Martino church (16th century) with its typical octagonal bell tower. Another stop off point is the centre of Solarussa, a dozen km. away, famous for vegetables and wines, including the above mentioned Vernaccia. About 20 km. to the north brings you to Milis, where in the S. Paolo church you can admire Catalan works of art. A little further on, following the state road, you reach the Riserva Orientata di S. Vero Milis, where you can admire the beautiful flamingos. Along the road to Cagliari is one of the most beautiful Romanesque-Pisan churches, the basilica di S. Giusta, erected in 1145 on a small hill on theeast bank of the pond of the same name. The Stagno di S. Giusta, full of fish, lying in charming countryside, is a valuable area extending as far as the Wetlands of Pauli Maiori where there is an abundance of wildlife.