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.