La Nuova Sardegna

Bonnanaro is located between Monte Pelau and Monte Santo and in Sardinia it is known as the town of cherries. The town is characterised by a green valley territory rich in springs, and by the presence of vegetable gardens and rich vineyards where no less than 12 varieties of grapes are cultivated and excellent wines are produced. The original settlement stretched along the slopes of Mount Pelau from the 18th-century country church of Santa Maria Iscalas, recently excavated and restored, to the country church of Santa Barbara in a truly singular landscape carved out of Miocene-age marly limestone, basalts and volcanites. If you look from Monte Santo, you can see a natural scenery composed of isolated craters and plateaus scaled by rivers and streams. If anyone wishes to enjoy the suggestive spectacle offered in spring by the cherry trees in blossom, they can reach the small centre by driving along 'Bia'e Carru' to the tree-lined avenue located at the entrance of the SS 131 and they can reach Piazza San Giorgio Martire, the patron saint celebrated on 23 April, through Via Vittorio Emanuele. Here in front of the parish church, a mural designed by Professor Sergio Miali, pays homage to the town and its visitors with an evocative representation of the knight's fight against the dragon and a reference to the precious red fruit typical of Bonnanaro.

The area of Corona Moltana deserves a special walk. It is located downstream of the town on the road to Mores. From here, following the signpost 'Malis', it is possible to reach the historical spring of the same name. Continuing for about 400 metres, one arrives at the imposing ruins of Sas Turres and a few metres further on, it is possible to visit the numerous Domus de Sorroi, Cannisones until arriving at the hypogea of Corona Moltana. The surrounding area has numerous nuraghi and churches. Among the most striking are the country churches of Madonna delle Grazie di Monte Arana, Madonna di Iscalas and San Basilio near the Nuraghe Nieddu, which is reduced to a ruin. In the historical centre there is no lack of beautiful corners such as the Casa Museo Govanorart Art in Via Budroni 9, where interesting exhibitions are held and via Giardini whose paving is still cobbled.

In the overlooking via Monte Granatico, one can observe the mural dedicated to the painter Pasqualino Budroni, author of the characteristic mural realised in 1982 in the council chamber of the municipality. A few metres away is the characteristic hexagonal fountain composed of six masks, Su Cantaru, and the wash house. The ancient town origins date back to around the year 1000. Its name was 'Gunar', later transformed into 'Gunnanor', and it was certainly part of the diocese of Sorres. Among its glories, Bonnanaro counts the illustrious Latinist Francesco Carboni (1746-1817), professor of eloquence proclaimed 'the greatest Latinist of the century' and the poet Giuseppe Raga. He was born in Bonnanaro in 1873, a young man with a rare art of poetry who was able to interpret the traditions and culture of his native village in his verses.

The Confraternity of Santa Croce, the local associations and the Pro Loco organise events such as the Cherry Fair and Chentinas in collaboration with the Municipality, and today they express the deep identity of the area.

'Bonnanaro is an empathic and hospitable town,' comments Mayor Giovanni Carta. 'Here there are two B&Bs and a camper van area in the Malis area. Monte Arana with its pine forest is an excellent recreational space and an ideal venue for outdoor events. The tennis court and the equestrian centre allow outdoor sports and the development of experiential tourism. There is no shortage of services for the elderly in the social centre. Although Bonnanaro is experiencing depopulation like all small centres, we are working to create inter-municipal services and facilities'.