Oristano and Sinis · Provincia di Oristano

Things to do in Simaxis

Things to see in Simaxis, Sardinia: San Simmaco church, the Byzantine churches of San Vero Congius, local rice, carnival and festivals near Oristano.

Simaxis, Sardegna — © Gianni Careddu · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Simaxis is a farming village in the Campidano di Oristano plain, about 10 km from Oristano, set among fields watered by the Sant'Elena stream, a tributary of the Tirso. Tradition says Pope Symmachus was born here, and its hamlet of San Vero Congius holds one of the most interesting Byzantine churches in Sardinia. It's a great stop if you love early medieval art, quiet countryside and village festivals, and a peaceful base for exploring the Oristano area.

What to see in Simaxis

Church of San Simmaco

In the village centre stands the parish church of San Simmaco, consecrated in 1833, with a neoclassical pedimented façade, a single nave and three side chapels on each side. Tradition holds it was built on the site of the saint's family home. Symmachus was pope from 498 to 514 and is remembered as the second Sardinian pope after Saint Hilarius.

The Byzantine churches of San Vero Congius

About 2 km away, the hamlet of San Vero Congius, a separate municipality until the 20th century, keeps the ancient church of San Teodoro, cross-shaped and crowned by a dome, dating from between the 7th and 9th centuries. Nearby are the ruins of San Nicolò di Mira and of the domed Church of the Angel. For lovers of early medieval architecture, this is the highlight of the area.

Things to do in Simaxis

The flat countryside of canals, rice paddies and wheat fields is ideal for bike rides and slow walks, especially in spring. A short drive takes you to the trails of Monte Arci Park, Sardinia's only obsidian deposit, and to the Roman baths of Fordongianus. Just below you'll find experiences run by local operators: excursions, guided tours and tastings to get to know the Oristano area up close.

History

People lived here as early as the Neolithic: villages of the Ozieri culture have been found, with Mother Goddess figurines. Nuragic, Punic and Roman phases followed. In the Middle Ages Simaxis was the head of its own district within the Giudicato of Arborea; after the giudicato fell it passed to the Aragonese and the Carroz family, then, under Savoy rule, to the Marquisate of Arcais, until feudal rights were bought out in 1839. In 1637 the village was hit hard by the French raid on the Oristano area.

Food and local products

Simaxis is one of the few places in Sardinia where rice is grown, alongside wheat and vegetables from the Tirso plain. The area also produces Vernaccia di Oristano, an amber wine for slow sipping, and the almond sweets of the Campidano, both perfect souvenirs.

Festivals and traditions

San Simmaco: the patron saint is celebrated in mid-July (on the 19th) with religious rites and several days of festivities; another feast falls in late January.
Carnival: celebrated retro-style with Sa Coja de tziu Damus, a mock wedding led by an actor playing the mayor, with villagers in old farming and shepherd clothes and a closing dinner where everyone brings their own chair and food.
Rice Day (Giornata del Riso): in November, a celebration of the village's signature crop.

Nearby

Oristano (about 10 km): the old town, the Tower of Mariano II and Piazza Eleonora d'Arborea.
Fordongianus: the Roman baths of Forum Traiani, still fed by hot springs.
Monte Arci Park: woods, trails and obsidian.
Villanova Truschedu: the Santa Barbara nuraghe.
Sinis Peninsula: Tharros and the beaches, about half an hour by car.

Getting there and when to go

Simaxis lies close to the SS131 Carlo Felice highway. The handiest airports are Cagliari-Elmas (about an hour and a quarter by car) and Alghero (about an hour and a half); the main ferry ports are Cagliari, Porto Torres and Olbia. Spring and autumn are best for the countryside; July brings the patron saint's feast and November the Rice Day.