The Church of San Simplicio in Olbia

Olbia’s romantic centrepiece is the Church of San Simplicio, perhaps the most important monument in the entire area of Gallura. Located in the very heart of Olbia’s vibrant town centre, it is built entirely from granite, and is surrounded by a square dotted with a variety of other fascinating Roman stonework. The building itself was erected in three distinct periods: the first during the second half of the 11th century (comprising the impressive outer walls, the apse and pillars, and the interior columns), the second during the early 12th century (the roof, ceiling, and ornate arches upper arches), while the building was finally completed during the late 12^th century, when the outer facing and roofwork was finally completed.

Just as impressive as the surrounding area, best explored by hire car, the city itself, the church, ,

Any visitor touring the region in their hire car should certainly include Olbia on their itinerary, and in doing so must pay this beautiful and significant church a visit.  Even the statue of San Simplicio himself, from whom the church takes its name, makes this one of the most noteworthy churches of its kind in Italy.

Olbia: Beaches and people watching

As the gateway to the “millionaire’s playground” of Costa Smeralda, Olbia is the definite place to spend countless hours seeing and being seen.  Once a quaint fishing village, it has transformed into a bustling port with an equally active international airport.

The influx of jetsetters and celebrities have made evenings in Olbia a cosmopolitan affair, with beautiful characters strutting about in their best preening behaviors. Whether you’re having some food over drinks at various piazzas in Corso Umberto or chilling with a cocktail at a beachfront bar, you’re sure to find thrills among the town’s varied cast of locals and visitors alike.

The hub for excursions to the northeast coast, buses and car hires often leave from Corso Umberto to various destinations.  Chief among the hotspots, of course, are the exclusive and high-priced beaches lining Costa Smeralda’s seemingly endless coast.  Equally enticing are the nearby beaches of Lido del Sole and Pittulongu, if you’d rather stay in town and not wander too far off.