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Sardinia Cagliari Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria 
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria is part of a larger complex that includes a monumental cemetery and the Museum of Bonaria, which displays religious artifacts and historical exhibits. It also includes the Basilica and a monastery housing the Mercedarian friars, who have overseen the shrine since 1335. The sanctuary refers to the entire religious complex, including the original 14th-century church, the basilica, the monastery, and even the museum and monumental staircase. Dedicated to Our Lady of Bonaria, it is also known as Our Lady of Fair Winds, a Marian title associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary as the patron of sailors. Although the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria and the Basilica of Bonaria are distinct structures, they are part of the same religious complex. Both structures stand side by side on Bonaria Hill and have been a pilgrimage destination for centuries. The Sanctuary refers to the original 14th-century church, built by the Mercedarian friars. It houses the wooden statue of Our Lady of Bonaria, the centrepiece of devotion. The Basilica was constructed in 1704, but its completion took several centuries due to interruptions and redesigns. Initially planned in the Baroque style, the design was later modified to a Neoclassical structure by architect Giuseppe Viani. The basilica has a white limestone façade, a large porch with three arches, and an octagonal dome and was consecrated in 1926; it was officially elevated to a minor basilica in 1952. During World War II, it suffered serious damage, particularly in 1943, when Allied bombings destroyed its frescoes and other artistic treasures. Restoration efforts continued for decades, finally concluding in 1998. Externally the façade is constructed of white limestone and has two levels, it sits at the top of a monumental staircase and has a large porch supported by three arches and a triangular gable displaying the Mercedarian Order’s coat of arms. The building is a blend of Catalan-Gothic and Neoclassical architectural styles. The original sanctuary, built in the 14th century, features a pointed arch portal and a decorative rose window, characteristic of Gothic architecture. Outside are displayed several plaques commemorating significant events, including the dedications to past popes who have visited the site, Maritime tributes, honouring the sanctuary’s role as the patron of sailors, and Historical inscriptions detailing the sanctuary’s founding and its connection to Spanish and Sardinian history.  On entry there is a sculpture of Pope Paul VI, who visited the Sanctuary in 1970. This statue is located in the atrium and commemorates his historic visit. Other popes, including Saint John Paul II (1985), Benedict XVI (2008), and Pope Francis (2013), have also visited the site, reinforcing its religious significance.  The interior of the Sanctuary is a blend of Gothic-Catalan and Neoclassical styles. It features a single nave with seven chapels.  On the left side, there are three chapels, designed in Gothic style, while the right side features four chapels, connected by an arch leading to the basilica which were added later. It has a Latin cross layout with three naves, separated by arcades, and a large dome at the crossing.  Each chapel is adorned with canvases, statues, bas-reliefs, and other religious artifacts. The apse is designed in the Spanish Gothic tradition, with a polygonal shape and a vault supported by six ribs that extend to the floor. It serves as the presbytery, housing the high altar, which is the spiritual heart of the sanctuary.  The Sanctuary’s High Altar dates back to the 14th century, when the sanctuary was first established. It is located in an elevated position within the polygonal apse, designed in the Catalan-Gothic style. Over the centuries, the altar has undergone restorations and enhancements, including the addition of golden decorations and a marble canopy. By the altar is the wooden statue of Our Lady of Bonaria which was obtained, according to legion, in 1370 when a Spanish ship caught in a storm cast its cargo into the sea. Among the cargo was a crate containing a statue of the Virgin Mary, which was washed ashore at the foot of Bonaria Hill with its candle still lit. This event led to the devotion surrounding the sanctuary.  Apart from the original wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, there are also other statues within the complex. These include marble and bronze statues that depict the Virgin Mary, placed around the sanctuary. While these are not exact replicas of the original, they contribute to the site's spiritual and artistic significance
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All Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
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