Mura puniche
In the centre of Olbia between Via Acquedotto and Via Torino it is possible to admire the ruins of the ancient Punic walls “Mura Puniche”. This is where you can see one of the access gates to the ancient city.
Archaeological Museum
Not far from the historic centre and the Isola Bianca Port, you can visit the Archaeological Museum of Olbia. This is one of the few museums that houses the wrecks of important ancient ships. Not only that, it is also the only museum in the world to have masts and rudders dating back to Roman times. The Museum is located on Peddone island. The structure resembles a moored ship, it tells the story of the Sardinian city with particular attention to the Phoenician, Greek, Punic and Roman periods.
Roman Aqueduct and Roman Cistern
In the industrial area of Olbia, in the locality of Sa Rughittula, you can see some remains of the Roman aqueduct built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Built with the aim of transporting water from Monte Cabu Abbas to the city centre, it is the best-preserved aqueduct in Sardinia.
Sa testa sacred well
Olbia has many remains dating back to the nuragic era. Among these, the fascinating Sa Testa Sacred Well is worth visiting. It’s located on the SP 82 road, which connects the city to Pittulongu through a short trail. This well has the typical geometric construction of the nuragic era’s sacred wells. There’s a stairway between two walls of perfectly squared blocks, which form a conical cover. The inside of the well can’t be accessed.
Nuraghe riu mulinu a cabu abbas
The Nuraghe Riu Mulinu dates back to the 1300-1200 a.C. period. It’s composed of a central tower surrounded by a big barrier with two entrances. Because of its strategic location it’s possible that the nuraghe had an importnt role in the defense of the city
The use of it as a place of worship hasn’t been ruled out: in fact, there’s a sacrifical pit where bone remains and ceramic findings were discovered.
This trip is definitely a must-see and there you can enjoy a breathtaking view!
Pedres castle
The trip to this ancient castle’s ruins is one of the most interesting to go on! It’s perched on a hill and it’s possible to get there by following a short trail among the rocks. Aside from the wonderful landscape of the Olbia plain, it’s possible to admire the Pedres Castle. It’s made of a barrier, a tower and a rectangular structure where people used to live in the past. The castle dates back to the period of the Giudicato di Gallura and the Pisan-Aragoneses dominion, during the Visconti family’s rise to power (1296 – 1322).
Giant’s grave on mont’e s’abe
Not far from the Pedres Castle is the famous giants’ grave, an ancient burial of the nuragic era. Like other similar graves, it’s made of a longitudinal structure covered in horizontal slabs and an exedra shaped by vertical slabs
Church of San Paolo
The Church of San Paolo is a very peculiar place! It’s a distinctive church, located in Olbia’s old town. It consists of a rectalungar foundation and three chapels, which together form the shape of a cross. It was built in the Late Middle Ages by the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to Hercules. It was then restructured and adapted to Baroque style in the middle of the 18th century. The peculiar element is undoubtedly the gorgeous dome, built circa in 1939 and covered in polychrome majolicas. Inside the church, it’s possible to appreciate painter Alberto Sanna’s frescoes, like “Resurrezione e angeli musicanti” (Resurrection and musician angels) in the apse, “Via Crucis” on the sidewalls, and “Sacramenti”, a depiction of the sacraments, in the dome’s intrados.The main altar and the balustrade in polychrome marble are not to be missed as well, along with the choir and the wooden pulpit, and two statues made of woof dedicated to the Sacred Heart and Saint Francis. Along with the dome, the visitors are especially attracted by the silver artifacts kept in the sacristy, along with a halo and sandals of Saint Mary which date back to the 17th century.
Basilica San Simplicio
The Basilica of San Simplicio is one of the few examples of Roman architecture in Sardinia. This is absolutely a must-see! Inside the basilica are kept the remains of San Simplicio, a martyr bishop and patron saint of the city and the Gallura area. He is celebrated for a whole week, ending on May, 15, with a procession of the saint across the city’s streets. The basilica was built in the Middle Ages, when Olbia, then called Civita, was an important administration center of the Giudicato di Gallura. There, the wedding between Lamberto Visconti and Elena di Gallura, the first Sardinian woman to gain role of Giudicessa, was celebrated. The architectural details are not to be missed as well, like the wonderful decorated capitals or the traces of red crosses painted on the pillars. The second ones are a rare example.
Olbia beaches and surroundings
The beaches in and around Olbia are a real jewel of nature! Ideal for all those who love the sea and crystal clear water.
You will be spoiled for choice: from the beaches south of Olbia and the island of Tavolara, to the famous Costa Smeralda, up to the wonderful Golfo Aranci. All within easy reach of the city.