Castello di Gioiosa Guardia

The Castle of Gioiosa Guardia is located on the top of Mount Exi, in the territory of Villamassargia, in Sulcis-Iglesiente, about 418 meters above sea level. It is a medieval fortress of strategic origin, built in the 13th century, probably in the Pisan era, after the fall of the Giudicato of Cagliari.
The elevated position of the castle allowed the visual control of a wide area, making it an important point of sighting and defense. The structure was inserted in a network of visual communication with other fortifications of the time, including the castles of Acquafredda and Salvaterra, fundamental for the military control of the territory.