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Church · Cagliari, Sardenha
Santuario e Basilica di Nostra Signora di Bonaria
Religious complex atop the Bonaria hill: a 14th-century Catalan-Gothic sanctuary housing the image of Sardinia's patroness, and a Neoclassical basilica facing the port.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Santuario e Basilica di Nostra Signora di Bonaria
The Bonaria complex sits on the hill of the same name, east of central Cagliari. The name comes from the Catalan Bon Aire, 'good air'. In 1324, during the Aragonese siege of the Pisan Castello, the infant Alfonso erected a fortified citadel there.
The sanctuary, from the first half of the 14th century, was the first example of Catalan-Gothic architecture in Sardinia. It houses the image of Nostra Signora di Bonaria, patron saint of Sardinia and protector of sailors, and is looked after by the Mercedarian friars, who maintain a small museum in the cloister.
Next to it, the basilica began to be built in 1704 and was only completed in 1926 in a Neoclassical style. It was heavily damaged in the Second World War bombings and later restored. A large staircase descends from the basilica toward the sea.
The devotion to Bonaria crossed the ocean: the city of Buenos Aires owes its name to that Our Lady.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour, including the sanctuary, basilica and museum.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when the staircase and the view of the port are more pleasant. Avoid mass times for visits.
How to get there
It's on the Piazza Bonaria, about 2 km from Via Roma. You can walk along the waterfront or take a city bus.
Tip
Shoulders and knees covered to enter. The small cloister museum has its own opening hours: check before you go.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Santuario e Basilica di Nostra Signora di Bonaria
What is Bonaria's connection to Buenos Aires?
The name of the Argentine capital honors Our Lady of Bonaria, a devotion brought by Iberian sailors.
What is the difference between the sanctuary and the basilica?
The sanctuary is the 14th-century Gothic church, with the image of the patron saint. The basilica next to it is larger and Neoclassical, completed in 1926.
Can you walk there from the center?
Yes, about a 25-minute walk from Via Roma. By bus it's faster.