Discover Bonorva: Archaeology, Landscape and Local Culture

Bonorva between Rocky Ridges and Springs

Bonorva reveals its character through highly diverse landscapes and cultural settings. The municipality includes Rebeccu, a medieval village and hamlet of the municipality of Bonorva, situated on a rocky ridge above the plain of Santa Lucia. Monte Cujaru complements this landscape as an ancient volcano made of loose basaltic scoria; its crater structure is still clearly visible. Rising to 486 metres above sea level, it forms a distinctive cone 130 metres above the surrounding plain.

Woodland Landscape and Waterfall

Parco Mariani comprises a Mediterranean oak woodland with holm oaks, downy oaks and cork oaks, as well as springs. Some of these springs converge at Badde Mala to form a waterfall approximately 20 metres high. Thus, in and around Bonorva, geological formations stand alongside a landscape shaped by trees and water – an appealing focus for anyone wishing to combine culture with nature observation and walks.

Archaeological Traces Spanning Millennia

The Sant’Andrea Priu necropolis in Bonorva is a burial complex comprising 20 Domus de Janas. The underground structures date from the Neolithic and Copper Ages, more precisely from the period between the 4th and 3rd millennia BC. The Tomba del Capo has 18 rooms and is one of the largest underground burial sites in the Mediterranean region. In Late Antiquity and during the Byzantine period, it was converted into a rock church. The Sa Pala Larga necropolis is known for the excellent preservation of its original stone and painted decorations from the Early Neolithic.

Su Lumarzu, Churches and Museum

Su Lumarzu is a ritual spring dating from the Nuragic period, with a forecourt and a chamber in which the spring water collects. The small chamber has a tholos roof sealed by a large horizontal stone slab. Permission must be obtained from the owner before entering the site. A footpath leads from Rebeccu to the spring; artistic events are held there predominantly throughout the year. The Church of San Giovanni Battista in Bonorva was consecrated in 1174, while the Church of San Lorenzo in Rebeccu dates from the 12th century. The Church of San Simeone is associated with the archaeological site of the same name on the Campeda plateau.

Archaeology for a Tour and Living Traditions

The Museo Civico Archeologico di Bonorva presents an archaeological collection consisting predominantly of worked stone elements in four halls and eight interconnected small rooms. A chronological tour illustrates human presence in the region; explanatory panels place the finds within the monumental context in which they originated. The local culture is complemented by the equestrian tradition of the Pariglie, which emerged in Bonorva in the 1920s and 1930s, as well as by a vibrant textile tradition with a particular focus on embroidery. Carpets and tapestries are made on horizontal looms.

Local cuisine also forms part of the cultural landscape: the Sagra del Zichi celebrates traditional Sardinian bread, a fundamental element of local cuisine. When choosing accommodation in Bonorva, you can therefore focus on archaeological sites, landscapes, crafts or regional cuisine.

More Destinations

Ossi, Banari, Muros, La Ciaccia, Usini, Nughedu San Nicolò, Olmedo, Marina Di Sorso

For the overarching travel overview: Sassari.