In Bonarcado, Nostra Signora di Bonacatu is a small sanctuary built over a Roman thermal complex and dated to the 6th or 7th century. It stands beside the Romanesque church of Santa Maria, forming a historic religious site. Inside, look for representations of Mary and the child from different periods, including a 15th-century work from the Tuscan school. Restoration also brought ancient remains to light. The sanctuary’s annual celebrations on 18 and 19 September draw faithful from across Sardinia.
A sanctuary above Roman baths
Nostra Signora di Bonacatu is in Bonarcado, in Sardinia’s Oristano area. The sanctuary dates to the 6th or 7th century and was built over a Roman thermal complex. It has been altered over the centuries, and its small scale is part of its character.
The sanctuary and the adjacent Romanesque church of Santa Maria form a connected religious and architectural site. Take time to see both buildings and their relationship within the complex.
Images and traces uncovered by restoration
Inside the sanctuary, look for representations of Mary with the child from different periods. One particularly notable image is a 15th-century work from the Tuscan school.
Restoration work uncovered what may have been a baptismal font, as well as pieces of an earlier mosaic. These remains point to the long history of activity at the site. The sanctuary remains a place for prayer and quiet reflection, so keep your visit considerate of worshippers.
The September celebrations
Bonarcado holds celebrations in honour of Our Lady of Bonacatu on 18 and 19 September. The occasion draws thousands of faithful from across Sardinia and is a chance to encounter the sanctuary as part of a living local religious tradition.
Outside those dates, the site is a quieter stop for visitors interested in early Christian places of worship and the layers of history beneath them.
FAQ
How old is Nostra Signora di Bonacatu?
The sanctuary dates to the 6th or 7th century. It was built over a Roman thermal complex.
What can you see inside the sanctuary?
Look for representations of Mary and the child from different periods, including a 15th-century work from the Tuscan school.
When are the celebrations for Our Lady of Bonacatu?
The annual celebrations take place on 18 and 19 September and draw faithful from across Sardinia.
What was found during restoration work?
Restoration uncovered a feature thought to be a baptismal font and fragments of an earlier mosaic.
