The name derives from a legend of a Pisan siege where the town defenders fed their last fava beans to a pigeon to fool attackers into thinking they had abundant food.
The tower's height allowed for visual communication with nearby coastal watchtowers along the eastern Sardinian shore.
The castle stands at an elevation of approximately 100 meters above sea level.
Archeological evidence confirms the castle's construction phase dates to the early 12th century.
The fortification was once part of a larger defensive network designed to protect the Judicate of Gallura from exterior naval threats.
Castello della Fava is a 12th-century medieval fortress situated on a limestone hill overlooking the village of Posada in Sardinia. The site is named after a legendary siege where locals tricked attackers into believing the town had ample food supplies by placing fava beans in the stomachs of decoy animals. The structure served as a strategic defensive outpost for the Judicate of Gallura against Pisan incursions. Today, the ruins feature a surviving square tower and sections of the perimeter walls. Visitors access the site via a steep path leading from the historic center of Posada. The vantage point provides panoramic views of the Rio Posada delta and the surrounding coastal plains. Excavations have uncovered pottery and building remains dating back to the Pisan occupation. The site remains a primary historical monument for the Nuoro province. It is currently maintained as a protected cultural heritage site.
The top of the main tower, looking out toward the river delta and the sea.
Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip due to the steep, uneven medieval stone paths.
Bring sun protection and hydration as there is minimal shade on the exposed hilltop.
Combine your visit with a walk through the narrow, winding alleys of the adjacent historic village.
Attempting the climb during the peak heat of midday in July or August.
Operating schedule can vary by season with reduced access during winter months; check local municipal bulletins for seasonal maintenance closures.
No specific dress code, though modest attire is respectful; do not climb on unsecured wall ruins.
