The Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, located in the heart of Orosei's historical centre, is a building of considerable historical and architectural importance. Its strategic position reflects the importance of Orosei as a crucial junction connecting the hinterland with the Sardinian coast. The current appearance of the church is the result of a series of restoration and extension works that have progressively modified the original structure over the centuries. The main architectural alterations include the addition of a transept and two side chapels, which significantly enlarged the building's interior space.
The church presents a single-nave structure preceded by a portico, an architectural element that acts as a transition zone between sacred and profane space, creating an interesting spatial dialectic. The façade is characterised by elements typical of the Romanesque style, including a double slope and a flared oculus that contributes to the natural lighting of the interior, creating suggestive light effects.
Of particular historical and artistic interest are the interior frescoes, which probably date back to the 14th century. These wall paintings, although damaged by the inexorable passage of time, were partially restored during the 20th century, along with other medieval elements in the church. The paintings depict religious figures and constitute a valuable testimony of 14th-century sacred art in Sardinia, offering a unique insight into the visual and devotional culture of the time.
The church of Sant'Antonio Abate plays a major role in local traditions, particularly during the feast dedicated to the patron saint on 16 January. On this occasion, rituals are performed that include the lighting of bonfires, a practice that fascinatingly blends elements of Christian devotion with ancient pagan traditions, bearing witness to the cultural and religious stratification characteristic of many Sardinian celebrations.