Basilica di San Simplicio

The Basilica of San Simplicio, located in Olbia, stands as a monument of extraordinary historical and architectural importance, distinguishing itself as the oldest Christian church in Gallura. Its construction, spanning a period of more than two centuries, from the 11th to the 13th century, bears witness to a complex and fascinating evolutionary process, articulated in five distinct phases. This construction stratification offers a unique opportunity to study the evolution of sacred architecture in Sardinia during the Romanesque period.
The façade of the basilica, an element of great visual impact, develops over two orders, each characterised by distinctive architectural solutions. The lower order is divided into three mirrors, a compositional solution that gives rhythm and harmony to the façade. The upper order, on the other hand, is dominated by an elegant three-mullioned window, a typical element of Romanesque architecture that not only aesthetically enriches the façade, but also performs the important function of illuminating the interior of the building.
An element of particular historical and artistic interest is found in the southern part of the façade: a marble tile, set into one of the arches, depicting an armed knight and an angel. The style of this sculpture, characterised by refined execution and specific iconographic details, has led scholars to date it to the 7th century.

Location: Olbia

Province: Sassari

Address: Piazza S. Simplicio, 07026 Olbia SS

This dating makes the tile not only a valuable decorative element, but also a tangible testimony to the continuity of worship and the artistic stratification of the site.
The interior of the basilica is equally rich in elements of historical and architectural interest. The space is divided into three naves, separated by a series of arcades resting alternately on pillars and columns. This architectural solution, in addition to creating a striking visual rhythm, ensures an optimal distribution of the weight of the structure.
Of particular note are the capitals crowning the pillars and columns. Their upper part, technically called an abacus, has a characteristic truncated pyramid shape, a stylistic solution that lends visual and structural strength to the supporting elements. Among these, a capital is distinguished by its peculiar shape with rounded corners. This specific morphology finds parallels in the early medieval architecture of the Po Valley, suggesting possible influences or cultural connections between these two distant geographical areas.
The Basilica of San Simplicio is therefore not only a masterpiece of Sardinian Romanesque architecture, but also a historical document of inestimable value. Its long construction history, decorative elements from different periods and the architectural solutions adopted offer a unique window on the evolution of art and architecture in Sardinia from the early Middle Ages to the Romanesque period. Every detail of the building, from the façade to the interior capitals, tells a part of this millenary history, making the basilica a place of extraordinary interest for historians, architects and lovers of sacred art.