A Romanesque Jewel of Sardinia
The Basilica of Santa Maria di Bonarcado is a Romanesque church located in Bonarcado, in the province of Oristano. Parish church of the town and minor basilica since 2011, the building overlooks the square of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonacatu, forming a historical and religious complex of great importance.
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History and Origins
The basilica has deep roots in the history of Sardinia. The Camaldolese monastery of Santa Maria di Bonarcado was founded by order of Judge Constantine I of Arborea in 1110, as reported in the Condaghe of Santa Maria di Bonarcado. The building was consecrated between 1146 and 1147, during the reign of Barisone I de Lacon-Serra. The church, initially with a single nave and a T-shaped plan, was expanded between 1242 and 1268 with the addition of a three-nave body and a new semicircular apse.
Architecture and Description
The church was built using blocks of dark local basalt and reddish trachyte inserts, following Tuscan methods not strictly linked to Pisan forms, despite its dependence on the Pisan abbey of San Zeno. The western façade, with its three round arches and central portal, represents the original construction phase. The bell tower, with two levels, was built on the southern arm of the transept.
Santa Maria Bonarcado | Roberto Reginali – Wikipedia
Decorative Elements
The Iberian craftsmen who worked on the expansion introduced for the first time in Sardinia Islamic-style decorative elements, such as lobed arches, “accordion” pilasters, and stepped corbels. These elements give the building a unique and fascinating appearance, testifying to the cultural and artistic influence of the period.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonacatu
In front of the basilica stands the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonacatu, one of the oldest Marian places of worship on the Island. Dating back to the 6th-7th century, the sanctuary was built on a previous Nuragic and Roman settlement. The early medieval church, with a Greek cross plan and a Byzantine-inspired dome, is famous for the cult of the Madonna of Good Welcome.
Santa Maria Bonarcado | Roberto Reginali – Wikipedia
Historical Events
The sanctuary and basilica of Bonarcado were the sites of important historical events. In 1237, Pietro II, Judge of Arborea, solemnly recognized the dominion of the Roman Church over his kingdom. In 1253, a National Council presided over by the Papal Legate was held in Bonarcado. These events attest to the site’s religious and political importance in the Middle Ages.
How to Get There
Bonarcado is easily reachable by car from the city of Oristano, following the SP20. The church is located in the town center, easily accessible and well-signposted.
Santa Maria Bonarcado | Roberto Reginali – Wikipedia
Useful Information
Address: Corso Italia, 79 – 09070 Bonarcado (OR)
Phone: +39 0783 56444
Feast of Our Lady of Bonacatu: September 18 and 19
Novena: September 9-17 and 20-28, May 13-21
Notice
We apologize for any imperfections in the translation of this website, as it has been generated using non-professional tools. However, we want to assure you that the site is carefully curated and managed by Sardinian individuals who have an in-depth knowledge of the territory.