Bonorva
Welcome to Bonorva: a city with ancient origins and medieval charm
Bonorva, or 'Onorva' in its original Sardinian language, is a splendid municipality in the province of Sassari, in Sardinia. With a population of around 3200 inhabitants, Bonorva is a place with a rich and fascinating history, which has made this area an unmissable destination for those wishing to discover the origins of Sardinian culture.
Discover the physical geography of Bonorva
Territory
Located in the historical region of Logudoro and in the sub-region of Meilogu, Bonorva is a municipality that presents an irregular geometric profile with accentuated altimetric variations, ranging from 314m above sea level up to 791m above sea level. The inhabited center is located along a steep slope at 509m above sea level.
Campeda Plateau
In the territory of Bonorva is the Campeda plateau, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This area represents an important tourist attraction, full of charm and history.
Discover the origins of the name "Bonorva"
The name of this municipality derives from the Latin word "Bonus orbis," which means "good land," or from the Latin root "Urbs, urbis," therefore meaning "good city." The advanced theories on the origin of its name are diverse, but one thing is certain: Bonorva is a splendid and welcoming place.
A dive into the history of Bonorva
Prehistoric age
Inhabited since prehistoric times of Sardinia, Bonorva became an important center during the period of the prenuragic and nuragic civilization.
Roman period
It was then the center of the Sardinian Roman age, as evidenced by the presence of an important consular road.
Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, Bonorva belonged to the Giudicato of Torres and was part of the curatoria of Costaval. In the territory was also another village, Terchiddo, which was completely abandoned in 1665. In 1259, the municipality was acquired by the Doria family, who ruled after the end of the giudicato. In 1347 it was the scene of a fight between the Doria and the Aragonese led by Guglielmo di Cervellon (battle of Aidu de Turdu), despite the defeat of the Aragonese, they later seized the territory. Under the Spanish, the territory was named a county in 1630, assigned to the Ledà-Carillo family. The county was then incorporated into the marchese of Villarios, formed by Bonorva, Rebeccu, and Semestene. With the abolition of the feudal system, the village was redeemed in 1839 by the Amat family, who succeeded the Ledà-Carrillo and were the last feudal lords.
Symbols of the municipality of Bonorva
The coat of arms and the banner of the municipality of Bonorva were granted by decree of the President of the Republic on April 10, 1967. The banner is made of azure and green cloth.
Places of interest: discover the architectural beauty of Bonorva
Religious architecture
Bonorva is a perfect destination for lovers of religious architecture, as there are numerous churches to visit:
- The church of San Giovanni Battista, consecrated in 1174
- The church of Santa Vittoria, dating back to the 17th century
- The church of San Simeone with the archaeological site of the same name in the Campeda plateau, recently restored
- The church of San Lorenzo di Rebeccu, 12th century
- The church of Santa Giulia in Rebeccu, 12th century
- The church of the Nativity of Mary (Bonorva), or Santa Maria Maggiore parish, in late Gothic style built between 1582 and 1610
- The church of Sant'Antonio from the 17th century
- The church of Santa Lucia, 14th century
Civil architecture
Bonorva is also a place where you can admire the civil architecture of the city. Places of interest include:
- The Archaeological Civic Museum of Bonorva, located in the former convent of Santa Chiara.
