Oristano (9m/30ft; pop. 30,000) is noted for its pottery. It still preserves a number of towers belonging to its medieval defenses. Notable are the 18th century cathedral, on the site of an earlier building of the 13th-14th centuries and the Archeological Museum, with finds from the ancient city of Tharros, which lay to the northwest of the Gulf
of Oristano. Beautiful traditional costumes can often be seen here on market days. A popular attraction is the Sariglia, an equestrian tournament dating back to the 16th century, which is held at Shrovetide every year (on the Sunday and the Tuesday).