Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria, Minor basilica and Marian shrine in Cagliari, Italy
The Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria is a religious complex in Cagliari with buildings spanning different periods and styles. The neoclassical basilica stands alongside the older Gothic-Catalan sanctuary, and together they house religious artwork, historical objects, and archives that tell the story of maritime devotion.
The site originated in the medieval period when a wooden figure was recovered from the sea and became an object of veneration. The neoclassical basilica was constructed beginning in the early 1700s, with work continuing through multiple generations before completion.
The shrine draws sailors and fishermen who seek protection during voyages, making it a gathering place for those whose lives depend on the sea. Visitors leave offerings and prayers that reflect deep connections between maritime work and spiritual devotion.
Visitors can explore collections of religious objects, ship models, and artifacts that illustrate the site's maritime heritage. The location near the waterfront provides a pleasant setting, and it is worth allowing time to walk through the entire complex.
A wooden statue reported to have been found along the coast after a shipwreck in 1370 is preserved within the sanctuary. Alongside this figure sits an ivory boat model that sailors used as a reference for understanding wind patterns at sea.
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