Bonorva between Nuraghi, Volcano and Oak Forest

Bonorva combines impressive natural surroundings with an exceptionally rich cultural history. If you rent a holiday apartment in Bonorva, you can discover a Sardinian town whose excursions range from an ancient volcano and Mediterranean woodlands to prehistoric burial sites, churches and vibrant craft traditions.

Holiday apartment in Bonorva between nature and culture

Monte Cujaru is an ancient volcano made of loose basaltic scoria; its crater structure is still clearly recognisable. The distinctive cone reaches 486 metres above sea level and rises 130 metres above the surrounding plain. The Parco Mariani offers a different kind of landscape: holm oaks, downy oaks and cork oaks grow there in a Mediterranean oak forest that also includes springs. Some of these springs converge at Badde Mala to form a waterfall approximately 20 metres high.

Rebeccu and the springs of Su Lumarzu

Rebeccu is a medieval village and a district of the municipality of Bonorva. It lies on a rocky ridge above the plain of Santa Lucia. A footpath leads from Rebeccu to the Nuragic spring of Su Lumarzu; throughout the year, it is mainly used for artistic events. Su Lumarzu is a ritual spring from the Nuragic period, with a forecourt and a chamber where the spring water collects. The small chamber has a tholos roof sealed by a large horizontal stone slab. Before entering the Su Lumarzu site, permission must be obtained from the owner.

Prehistoric burial sites with a long history

The Sant’Andrea Priu necropolis in Bonorva is a funerary complex consisting of 20 Domus de Janas, dating from the Neolithic and Copper Age between the fourth and third millennia BC. The Tomba del Capo contains 18 rooms and is among 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 Late Neolithic.

Archaeology at the Museo Civico

The Museo Civico Archeologico di Bonorva displays an archaeological collection consisting predominantly of worked stone elements in four halls and eight interconnected small rooms. A chronological tour presents human presence in the region. Explanatory panels place the finds on display within the monumental context from which they originate. The museum thus complements visits to the prehistoric sites with a coherent chronological perspective.

Churches, equestrian tradition and Sardinian crafts

The churches also tell the story of different eras. 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. The local culture also includes the equestrian tradition of the Pariglie, which originated in Bonorva in the 1920s and 1930s.

Bonorva has a vibrant textile tradition, particularly in the field of embroidery. Carpets and tapestries are made on horizontal looms. The Sagra del Zichi celebrates traditional Sardinian bread, a fundamental element of the local cuisine. When planning your holiday apartment in Bonorva, you can therefore focus on different aspects, including nature observation, archaeological discoveries, churches, regional crafts and culinary tradition.

Discover more places

For further planning, you can also discover Lu Bagnu, Porto Torres, Marritza, Ardara, Marina Di Sorso, Uri, La Ciaccia and Alghero.

For the overarching travel overview: Sassari.