Colourful Detailed View of the Ruin of Batteria Battistoni and Coastline of Northern Sardinia– Baia Sardinia, Costa Smerelda, Sardinia, Italy.
Detail of the ruins of Batteria Battistoni and coastline near Baia Sardinia, Costa Smerelda, Sardinia, Italy. This old military base overlooks Baia Sardinia with wonderful views of the bay, and the islands of the Parco Nazionale dell’ Arcipelago di La Maddalena. Built on rugged rocks with a commanding position, much of the stonework remains intact. Details of the once well camouflaged gun emplacements covering this sea-way remain in good condition. The island of Sardinia was of significant strategic importance during the Second World War with German air and naval bases established here. These were used to block Allied efforts to provide supplies to Malta and support the Axis operations in Tunisia. They were consequently heavily bombed by the Allies. The island was abandoned by German troops, following the Italian armistice on September the 8th 1943. It remained an important military asset with NATO establishments being based here until 2008. The region has been used for military training and by arms manufacturers to test new weapons. The main attraction in Baia Sardinia is the beach, Cala Batistoni which is packed with families in the summer. This area was named the ‘Costa Smeralda’ in 1959 by the Prince Aga Khan. He became convinced that his investment from the previous year was worthwhile and set about transforming Gallura into a tourist attraction. It has the reputation as an exclusive playground for the rich and famous. Each summer Italian celebrities and the wealthy flock to this area. Baia Sardinia is aimed at the family market and there are many modern holiday complexes and hotels overlooking the bay. In the far distance beneath the cloud is the island of Corsica. The natural areas on the Sardinian coast are protected by the Coastal Conservation Agency.
Size: 6000px × 4000px
Location: Batteria Battistoni, Baia Sardinia, Sardinia, Italy.
Photo credit: © John Insull / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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