Castle of Pedres – a trace of the Middle Ages in Sardinia

History and description

Built between the 13th and early 14th centuries by order of the Visconti of Pisa to defend Olbia from Aragonese attacks, the castle later passed into the hands of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem, before becoming part of the possessions of the Aragonese and the Giudicato of Arborea, until its eventual abandonment. Constructed with local granite and tuff stone, the structure features two curtain walls, two courtyards, a keep, and a residential chamber which, despite the passage of time and damage after abandonment, can still be admired today.

Curiosities

According to tradition, during the Middle Ages the castle was inhabited by a witch who appeared at sunset or when she could not be clearly seen. Some say her laments can still be heard in the wind, adding a touch of folklore and mystery to the castle’s history.

Access

The site is freely accessible every day, though caution is advised due to some unstable structures.

How to reach it

The castle can be reached by car from Olbia in the direction of Loiri, by bus (line 12), or on foot along a pedestrian path of about one kilometer.

Immersed in the natural landscape, the Castle of Pedres is one of the key testimonies of Olbia’s medieval past—a site rich in history and wrapped in legend.

Cover photo credits: Wikipedia, author Gianni Careddu