A JOURNEY THROUGH ROMANESQUE

Romanesque itinerary in north-eastern Sardinia

<p>This itinerary concerns one of the most frequented and least-known areas on the island; this is due to the fact that the Costa Smeralda has long been a favourite destination for many tourists. But if much is known of the well-equipped coast, a few words should also be spent on the unspoilt nature characterized by granitic mountains and on the sea floor which, on the marine reserve of the island of Tavolara, offer magnificent spectacles of marine caves and underwater canyons. The best period to visit the area is definitely summer; in June, July and August the towns are enlivened by intriguing cultural events such as ‘Terre Sonore’ and ‘Teatro in sa cortizza’ at Ozieri, ‘Time in Jazz’ and ‘Archeologia Sotto le Stelle’ at Oschiri, the cinema festival ‘Una notte in Italia’ at Tavolara, the National Festival of Italy’s Authentic Villages at Galtellì. Also worthy of mentionare sa die de su Rughefissu at Bulzi, with the ritual horse race around the village and the Church of San Pietro delle Immagini.</p>

The itinerary suggests a journey through territories showing different features, to discover Romanesque churches of north-eastern Sardinia. The route starts from Anglona, one of the greenest and most beautiful regions of the island, where the countryside of Bulzi conserves the church of San Pietro del Crocifisso, standing out for the decorative use of dichromatic masonry on the façade. Going down towards Ozieri, the landscape changes are evident, being divided between the wide extent of the plain of Campo di Ozieri and some rises of volcanic origin. This territory suggests a visit to a site hosting the Sant’Antioco di Bisarcio, one of the most complex and fascinating monuments of the Sardinian Romanesque. Not far, close to the river Coghinas, a series of small churches in the region of Oschiri are noteworthy, either for their evocative location and for the construction material employed. Among them is the former cathedral of Nostra Signora di Castro. Two detours are worth doing to pay a visit to the churches of San Simplicio, Olbia, and San Pietro, Galtellì. The first is remarkable for the use of granite as a building material; the second is a main stopover for its Romanesque frescoes.

A JOURNEY THROUGH ROMANESQUE

Romanesque itinerary in north-eastern Sardinia

Itinerary map

THE CHURCHES ON THE ITINERARY

OTHERS ITINERARIES IN THE AREA