Olbia (Sardinia) is a city that attracts tourists with a clear sea, excellent service, eventful history and a wide range of bright attractions. This tourist destination became fashionable in the middle of the last century. Since then, the village has not lost its popularity, annually hosting thousands of guests from various countries. What is known about the “Happy City”, located in the north-eastern part of Sardinia?
Olbia (Sardinia): the history of the city
The history of the city began before the advent of our era. It is believed that Olbia (Sardinia) originally belonged to the Carthaginians, who founded this settlement around the sixth century BC. However, some historians call this version into question, since excavations helped to find traces of the mysterious civilization of the Nurugs from the eighth century BC on the territory of the settlement.
At different times, the city belonged to the Romans, Puns, Phoenicians, attracting invaders with a favorable geographical location. In the era of Roman rule, Olbia (Sardinia) acquired the status of one of the largest seaports of the island, and served as a naval base. The city was liked by the Roman aristocrats, as evidenced by the numerous ruins of aqueducts, therms and villas found on its territory.
The fall of the Roman Empire, which happened in the fifth century, negatively affected the economy of Olbia. For a long time, the inhabitants of the city suffered from raids by vandals, later the settlement was influenced by Byzantium. Repeatedly the city, passing from hand to hand changed its name, he again managed to become Olbia only in the first half of the last century. It was then that tourists began to become interested in the city, which favorably affected its development. Today, this place is the economic center of the north-eastern zone of Sardinia.
Climate
Olbia (Sardinia) is famous for its mild climate, which does not differ from the average Mediterranean cities. The village is located in the gorge, which guarantees effective protection not only from sharp temperature fluctuations, but also from strong winds.
Of course, rainy periods also occur here, which fall mainly in the autumn-winter time. The best time to visit Olbia is spring and summer. The water temperature in this period rises to +26, the air temperature averages +27 degrees.
Beaches
A comfortable beach holiday is the main reason why Sardinia attracts tourists so much. Olbia, whose beaches are known all over the world, annually hosts thousands of vacationers. It is not surprising that the city has earned the status of a “tourist gate” of the island. The most popular among guests is Pittulongu Beach, owing its fame to the white sand and an extensive collection of shells. On its territory you can find several excellent family restaurants. Active tourists also love this beach, visitors are engaged in windsurfing, aqua-scooters and canoes.
Bados Beach is an ideal place for families with children, who have plenty of fun. Vacationers without offspring visit it mainly for swimming and tanning, but active water activities are also offered. Great pizzas are served at local pizzerias. Porto Istana beach has become famous as a paradise for fans of windsurfing. Having a great time riding the waves is also possible at Le Saline Beach.
Archaeological Museum
An eventful story is the reason Olbia (Sardinia) is a popular tourist destination. It is difficult to explore the sights of the city in a few days, so it’s worth starting with the most outstanding of them. Guests of the village who are interested in antiquity should definitely visit the island of Peddon, which is located opposite the ancient port. Here they will be met by the Archaeological Museum, stylized as a ship.
The exhibits of the museum will help visitors to get acquainted with the periods when the Romans, Greeks, Phoenicians owned Olbia. Of greatest interest are the wreckage of cargo ships that sank during the invasion of vandals, which took place in about 450. Interestingly, it is with this attack that the end of the Roman rule over the city is associated. The terracotta head of Hercules, which dates from about the second century BC, is also noteworthy. Researchers believe that the product is an exact copy of the original, once located in the temple of the hero god, located in Olbia.
Finally, in the museum you can admire the curious artifacts related to the prehistoric period.
Churches, temples
Olbia Airport (Sardinia) annually receives thousands of guests who dream to see with their own eyes the local old buildings. The basilica of St. Sicily, built around the beginning of the 12th century, enjoys constant popularity among tourists. The amazing granite building belongs to the Lombard style, located on a small hill. On its territory are stored the relics of the saint, found in 1614.
The Church of the Holy Apostle Paul is another curious building that is easy to find in the historical center of the city. It is believed that the building was created in about 1450, its reconstruction was made in the early 18th century. Church walls and vaults are painted with bizarre frescoes; in the interior, one cannot but pay attention to wooden choirs dating from the 18th century.
Roman aqueduct
The Roman aqueduct is another reason that deserves a visit to Sardinia (Olbia). Reviews of tourists indicate that this attraction is perfectly preserved. Surprisingly, the aqueduct was erected immediately after the capture of the island by the Romans, which dates back to 238 BC.
The length of the aqueduct is about seven kilometers. The purpose of its construction was to collect water from springs with its subsequent pumping to the center of Olbia. The restoration of the old building was made about 20 years ago, the underground parts of the aqueduct were excavated.
Ancient ruins
Olbia (Sardinia) is striking in the number of ancient attractions miraculously preserved on its territory. For example, tourists must certainly admire the Tomb of the Giants, found only in 1968. The dimensions of the tomb are impressive, the length of the grave gallery alone is over ten meters. It is known that the construction of the tomb was begun in 1800 BC.
The ruins of a Roman farm discovered on the territory of Olbia are also noteworthy. Historians believe that it was created in the second century BC, at a time when the island owned the Romans. The farmyard has an area of approximately one thousand square meters. Once upon a time, livestock was raised here - sheep, pigs.
The nuragic complex of Riu Mulinu is another attraction, the abundance of which is famous for Olbia (Sardinia). Reviews of tourists indicate that it is worth visiting this complex only for the magnificent view of the bay, which you can enjoy climbing onto the highest tower. The complex is located on Mount Kabu Abbas, located at an altitude of 246 meters. The date of its construction is not known exactly, the approximate time is 1500 years BC. Part of the complex is a wall, the length of which is 220 meters.
Interesting Facts
The sacred well of Sa Testa is the oldest building that guests of Olbia in the city can see. Researchers are convinced that this well was erected long before the history of the village began. During its construction, trachyte, granite and slate were used. The date of the foundation of the well has still not been determined; all that is known is that it was built in prehistoric times.
The ruins of Pedres Castle is Olbia's most favorite tourist attraction. Historians have no doubt that the palace was erected at the beginning of the 14th century, it happened in the era of Pisa-Aragonese rule. The castle was used for military purposes until 1339, then went to the monks of the Order of Hospitallers. The fortress was abandoned in the middle of the 15th century as a result of the outflow of population from the city.
It is believed that one who did not spend some time getting to know the masterpieces of local cuisine did not visit Olbia. Amazing sauces created by local chefs according to old recipes, which are kept in the strictest confidence, are in special demand.
