The Church of Sant’Antonio da Padova is located in the oldest part of Ollolai. A number of little streets and narrow alleys branch off from the small square of the same name and wind throughout the town. Before the construction of the church of San Michele Arcangelo, it probably served as the town’s parish church. After falling into disrepair, the church was completely rebuilt in 1911, as we learn from the date marked on the lintel of the entrance portal.

The façade is crowned by a small bell gable aligned with the wooden entrance portal, above which are an architrave, a granite and metal tile depicting a Station of the Cross, a circular oculus and a small cross. Inside, the single rectangular hall is divided by three diaphragm arches supporting the concrete and masonry roof. The sacristy, which gets light from a window on the back wall and can be accessed from a door on the left of the church with another small lunette, is situated behind the presbytery. The altar is atypical in that it faces south-west.

During the year the church is closed, but can be visited on request by contacting the parish priest. However, the church comes to life every 17 January, on the feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot: on this occasion a large blessed bonfire is lit in the square in front of the church, around which the faithful walk three times for good luck. Text by Cecilia Mariani