What to do · Olbia and the Costa Smeralda
Olbia in a Morning: the Basilica of San Simplicio and the Archaeological Museum
Information
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 2 h
- Season
- All year; the museum, in the morning
- Who it's for
- Everyone; a good option for the day of arrival or departure
Olbia is usually just the airport and the port, but it has two visits that fit into a morning: the basilica of San Simplicio, which the regional tourist office presents as the oldest Christian monument in Sardinia, and the archaeological museum, with the ships found when the ancient harbour was excavated. It is what to do on the day you arrive or the day you leave.
The basilica of San Simplicio
San Simplicio was built between the late 11th and early 12th centuries, and is the most important church in the north-east of the island. It is on via San Simplicio. At the foot of the altar is the necropolis museum, with about 450 Punic and Roman, later Christian, tombs, on which the church was built.
In mid-May, Olbia celebrates its patron saint with the feast of San Simplicio: a procession in traditional costume and the Palio della Stella. If you coincide, it is worth it.
The archaeological museum
It is on the islet of Peddone, in the old harbour, next to the Molo Brin. The most striking thing is the ship remains: in 1999, when the old harbour was excavated, 24 wrecks turned up, some of them sunk during a Vandal siege. It also holds a hoard of almost 900 gold coins. Admission is free.
Sardegna Cultura publishes hours of Tuesday to Saturday from 8:00 to 13:00, but other sources give different hours: call before going if you are counting on it on a particular day.
Around the centre
Between one visit and the other you can see ancient Olbia without entering anywhere: on via Torino there are remains of Carthaginian towers and walls, and next to the town hall, traces of the Roman forum. The walk is flat and short.
Getting there
From the airport, lines 2 and 10 of the ASPO city bus drop you at via Mameli, in the centre, for €1. From the centre you walk to San Simplicio and the museum. By car, you reach the museum along the Molo Brin.
With children
The museum's ships and gold coins work well with primary-school children, and the visit is short and free.
Tips
- Go in the morning The museum opens in the mornings, and in the afternoon the sun beats down on the harbour.
- Call the museum first The published hours do not agree with each other.
- Use it on your arrival day If you land at midday, it gives you a first taste of the island without taking the car.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the museum cost?
It is free.
What are the opening hours?
Sardegna Cultura publishes Tuesday to Saturday from 8:00 to 13:00; confirm before going.
When is the feast of San Simplicio?
In mid-May, with a procession in costume and the Palio della Stella.
Can I go without a car from the airport?
Yes, with city bus lines 2 and 10 to the centre, for €1.
As a family
