Basilica Above the Necropolis
The San Simplicio Cathedral is one of Olbia's monuments. It is a Romanesque church located in the historical centre of the city, built in granite and surrounded by a square with many Roman milestones.
The basilica is located in an elevated position exactly at an ancient Roman necropolis. The body of the building was erected in different periods with at least five construction phases. Originally, the church was smaller in size, later enlarged with two striking pairs of arches.
The perimeter walls with the apse and pillars are dated with construction around the second half of the 11th century. The façade, roof and side portions are presumably dated around the middle of the 12th century.
A cathedral of inestimable beauty and artistic value. The Basilica of San Simplicio in Olbia is worth a visit during a holiday in north-eastern Sardinia. It is a Romanesque monument built in granite, one of the most important and famous in Gallura.
The Interior of the Basilica Of San Simplicio
The interior is built with three naves divided by seven pillars and five columns. Inside is the ancient gilded wooden statue of San Simplicio dating back to 1600. At the foot of the altar, the relics of San Simplicio discovered in the early 1600s during archaeological excavations in the church crypt are kept in a shrine. In the aisles and on the apse, there are faded frescoes depicting San Simplicio and St. Victor.
The dimensions of the cathedral
Originally, the Basilica of San Simplicio stood near the ancient medieval city and was surrounded by a cemetery dating back to Punic times.
The church has a floor plan with three naves, is about 12 metres high, more than 30 metres long and about 13 metres wide with arches, pillars and columns with granite capitals. The granite blocks give it a grey colouring. The nave is entirely covered by a wooden roof and flows into the apse.
Where is the Basilica Of San Simplicio
The San Simplicio Basilica in Olbia is about 600 metres walk from the flat.
Directions to the Basilica San Simplicio
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