Bonnanaro

Population: 1,247

Bonnanaro is situated on the slopes of Monte Arana in front of a vast expanse of lush, rolling hills covered in vineyards and orchards. The town is noted for its fine wines and its remarkable production of cherries. The area boasts fascinating testimony to its historical past with human settlements dating back to the Nuragic and pre-Nuragic age.

Testimony to the culture of Bonnanaro, which developed in the Ancient Bronze Age, can be seen in the numerous ceramics that have been discovered in the area. This ancient craft-work prevalently takes the form of plain, simple objects of remarkable thickness, shaped as cups or bowls and characterised by one or two handles. Almost all the archaeological finds relating to the culture of Bonnanaro discovered up to now are from burial sites, in particular from the "domus de janas" (Fairy Houses), and Bonnanaro is today an obligatory visit for those people who wish to discover the fascinating historical, artistic and archaeological treasures of this corner of the island.

The parish church of San Giorgio is of particular architectural interest. It was built in 1524 and restructured in the nineteenth century and contains works of art of great value: a statue of the saint the church was named after, a painting of the "Madonna del Carmelo" and a statue of the "Madonna del Rosario".
The countryside surrounding Bonnanaro offers numerous places of interest for visitors, such as the Valley of the Nuraghi, the hypogeum of S. Andrea Priu, the Romanesque basilicas of S. Pietro, Sorres and Saccargia, the seventeenth century retables in the Cathedral of Ardara and the many fascinating, local religious and popular festivals.

Among the most important local festivals we recommend:

• The Festival of San Giorgio 23/24 April
  the religious procession is followed by a colourful procession of local costumes, folk shows and traditional Sardinian music.
  
  
• The Festival of Santa Barbara 17/18 August
  the festivities dedicated to the Saint take place in the town of Santa Barbara. During the religious procession, which is accompanied by horsemen, the faithful intone the traditional, spiritual Gosos. During the two days of festivities which follow the initial religious procession visitors can admire the colourful, local costumes, folk shows, traditional dancing and music, as well as various games and sporting events.
  
  
• The Festival of Nostra Signora di Monte Arana 8/9 September
  the festivities are spread over a number of days and are celebrated in the country church of Nostra Signora, which dates back to the eighteenth century. Visitors can enjoy various cultural and gastronomic events and shows and get a taste of local tradition by sampling the wine, sweets and specialities of the area, which are distributed free to the crowds.