OLBIA ROMANA

Olbia was chosen by the Carthaginians and Romans as the island's main commercial port of call. Traces of this activity, dating back to the 3rd century B.C., are still visible in the town centre, even if they are rather poorly indicated. A paved street has been discovered in the vicinity of Corso Umberto I. A Punic quarter was also uncovered in 2001 near via Nanni. But most of the excavated remains are the result of underwater archaeological excavations. Remains abound in the bay. Here, as elsewhere in Sardinia, history and archaeology come together: the sites presented below are part of the many Nuraghic and Roman remains of Olbia.

Punic walls: remains can be seen in the centre, in Via Acquedotto and Via Torino. They date back to the middle of the 4th century BC.

Sacred well of Sa Testa: in Cala Saccaia. Take the road to the industrial port in the direction of Pittulongu and follow "Cala Saccaia". This is a sacred well from the Nuraghic era and a large enclosure.

S'Imbalconadu Roman farmhouse: this farmhouse dates back to 125 B.C. and is well preserved. 5 km from the road to Padru, just after the bridge over the Padrongianos river, coming from Olbia.

Roman aqueduct: the best preserved ancient site of Olbia is at Sa Rughittola. Follow the vicinal road to Cabu Abbas starting from the level crossing in Via Dei Lidi. The aqueduct, dating back to the 2nd century, captured the springs at the foot of Cabu Abbas and brought them to Olbia, for 3 km