Basilica di Sant'Antioco di Bisarcio
Imposing Romanesque cathedral of dark trachyte on the Chilivani plain, once the seat of the diocese of Bisarcio, with a two-storey portico and the ruins of the episcopal complex.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Basilica di Sant'Antioco di Bisarcio dominates the Chilivani plain like a castle, in the territory of Ozieri, and is one of the most striking expressions of Romanesque architecture in Sardinia. It is built of large blocks of dark trachyte quarried locally and rests on a rocky spur that in places drops steeply on the south side.
To the west and north-west of the main façade the ruins of the episcopal complex and the remains of the ancient village of Guisarcu can still be seen; the village was already important in the Byzantine period, between the 6th and 7th centuries. The cathedral was the seat of the diocese of Bisarchium from 1063–1082 until 1503, in the territory of the Giudicato di Torres. At the beginning of the 14th century, malaria gradually pushed the inhabitants to leave Bisarcio for the hills nearby.
Among the most distinctive features are the two-storey portico, added at the start of the 13th century and unusual in Sardinia, the carved capitals with rosettes and human heads and, on the outer walls, medieval incisions in the shape of sandals, known as pilgrims' footprints. On the upper floor are several rooms, including the bishop's private chapel. The basilica can be visited with a ticket and a guided tour, run by the Istituzione San Michele of the municipality of Ozieri.
Highlights
- Romanesque cathedral of dark trachyte above the Chilivani plain
- Two-storey portico from the early 13th century
- Capitals with rosettes and human heads
- Pilgrims' footprints carved into the outer walls
- Ruins of the episcopal complex and the village of Guisarcu
- Founded
- 1001
- Operated by
- Istituzione San Michele – Comune di Ozieri
- Visitors per year
- approx. 4,577
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2 |
The guided tour is included in the ticket price. Prices to be confirmed with the operator.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The basilica is reached from the state road 597, between Ardara and Tula, in an isolated rural area.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours are included in the ticket; educational workshops are also available by reservation. |
