Romanesque Churches in Sardinia
Romanesque Churches in Sardinia
Basilica of San Simplicio, Olbia
The Church of Saint Simplicio in Olbia is one of Sardinia’s most important religious monuments. And it stands on a small hill that has a long sacred history, with Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and the early Christians. This is also the spot where Simplicio was persecuted for his Christian beliefs and killed on 15 May 304 AD. He is still the patron saint of Olbia. The Romanesque basilica we see today was built in three distinct phases, beginning in the 11th century. Built entirely from granite, it has a striking façade with a triple lancet window and a three aisled nave. The aisles are separated by columns some of which have decorated Romanesque capitals.

San Lussorio Church & Crypt
On the edge of Fordongianus is the Romanesque church dedicated to the Christian Martyr Lussorio. Monks from San Vittore of Marseilles built the church in the 12th century. The church was constructed on the ruins of a 4th century Paleo-Christian church. The new church helped preserve the original crypt that housed the tomb of Lussorio, and some of the frescoes and mosaics still survive today. It is possible to enter the church and crypt; arrangements need to be made in advance.
