The geomorphological diversity of the coasts of Sardinia, characterized by the presence of shallow waters, islets, reefs and outcropping rocks, has always constituted an element of extreme danger to navigation, thus leading to the search for methodologies and construction of apparatuses that could be of help to vessels navigating under the coast. Initially, these were particular natural points that were easily recognized, later new solutions were developed and places hosting actual structures built for maritime signaling also began to be shown on maps indicating ports. Then Spanish rule equipped the entire coastal perimeter of Sardinia with towers, the purpose of which was not only for vigilance, sighting and defense, but also to aid navigation, providing a fixed and clearly visible point for sailors and making warnings in case of adverse weather – sea conditions. On May 12, 1868, Victor Emmanuel II established the “Royal Commission of Ports, Beaches and Lighthouses,” and Sardinia was among the top regions in terms of the number of facilities. The Porto Ponte Romano Lighthouse was built in 1924 by the Civil Engineers and renovated in 1952. Even today it still lays its “bright gaze” over the Gulf of Palmas indicating, from 1937 onward, also the access to the adjacent commercial port. The building, with a block structure, is characterized by the white quadrangular tower that rises over the three floors below. 22 meters high, it is topped by a small cylindrical lantern with fixed optics whose luminous range is 15 miles. Although it has long been fully automated, it is inhabited by two farmer families. Located at the entrance to the country on a tongue of land where different historical eras intermingle, it has witnessed important events and changes of the past century. Like a silent sentinel, he watches and observes, marking time for the inhabitants of the island of Sant’Antioco.
