A VFR pilot reported Tower instructed them to make a right 360 degree turn; which placed them in unsafe proximity to terrain.

Narrative

While inbound to ZZZ from the southeast; approximately nine nautical miles from the field; I was descending to intercept the extended runway centerline at about 120 knots and -500 fpm over foothill terrain. My altitude was approximately 2;200 feet MSL when the tower instructed me to execute a right 360-degree turn for spacing with landing traffic ahead.I began the maneuver but immediately noted rising terrain ahead and a ridgeline off my right wing at roughly the same altitude. I added power and increased pitch to gain altitude; but it quickly became apparent that completing the right 360 would place the aircraft dangerously close to terrain with minimal margin for recovery. I discontinued the right turn and instead turned left toward lower terrain to maintain safe clearance.Post-flight analysis of GPS track and terrain data showed that at the time the instruction was given; the aircraft was slightly over one nautical mile from the ridgeline and approximately level with its peak. Completing the maneuver as directed would likely have resulted in flight within a few hundred feet of terrain -- a situation posing a serious risk of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).Although the FARs do not specify a minimum terrain clearance in visual conditions; the instruction was inconsistent with safe visual operating practices and demonstrated inadequate terrain awareness by the controller.During the subsequent landing; the same controller asked where I intended to park just as the main landing gear was about to touch down. This was a critical phase of flight requiring full attention; and the transmission created an unnecessary distraction that could contribute to a runway excursion or loss of control.The tower controller issued instructions without sufficient consideration of surrounding terrain and made nonessential radio calls during a critical phase of flight. The right 360-degree instruction placed the aircraft in potential proximity to terrain; and the landing-phase communication introduced avoidable distraction.Both actions indicate a lapse in ATC situational awareness and procedural discipline that could contribute to CFIT or runway excursion risk; particularly in mountainous environments.Recommend that ZZZ Tower review controller training regarding terrain awareness and radio discipline during critical phases of flight.Controllers should avoid issuing maneuvering instructions that could place VFR aircraft near rising terrain and should refrain from nonessential communications during landing rollouts.