Our Lady of Gonare and the “highest” sanctuary in Sardinia

Among the woods and limestone rocks of the mountains of central Sardinia stands the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Gonare, an ancient place of devotion and spirituality visited by pilgrims from all over the island

Nestled among the imposing peaks of the Sardinian mountains, with the three granite summits of Gonare, Gonareddu and Punta Lotzori standing guard over it, stands the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Gonare. It is a sacred place steeped in spirituality and history, an oasis of faith set among the rocks and lush woods of the Sardinian hinterland, celebrated not only for its natural beauty, but also for its profound religious and cultural importance to the inhabitants of the region and the pilgrims who visit it every year.

The history of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Gonare has its roots in ancient times. The ancient peoples of these lands were deeply connected to the worship of nature and regarded these mountains as sacred places. According to legend, a judge named Gonario of Torres was returning from the Holy Land when his ship was caught in a violent storm. Fearing for his life, he made a vow to Our Lady, promising her that he would build a sanctuary for her in the first place upon which his eyes would rest. Amid the roar of the thunder and the fury of the sea, the man saw the summit of Mount Gonare light up, and, following that miraculous light, he brought himself and the ship out of the storm. Later, as promised, he had the sanctuary built on the summit of the mountain.

Beyond its legendary origins, the Sanctuary was erected on the highest peak, which still today offers visitors a breathtaking panorama. Around it are woods of oaks, chestnut trees and centuries-old holm oaks, which since the earliest times had been the setting for ancient pagan cults. It was the Basilian monks, Eastern monks devoted to Saint Basil, who arrived in Sardinia during the medieval period, who built the Sanctuary in this place of great spiritual importance since the Nuragic era.

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Ex-Voto

votives objects and hearts: they are votive offerings, vigen in fulfiment of a vow or as a sign of gratitude…

As early as 1341, there are documents attesting to the cult of Our Lady of Gonare on the island. Initially modest in size, during the seventeenth century the church was enlarged until it reached its present dimensions. The Sanctuary received its official consecration on 27 May 1619 at the hands of Monsignor Piovella, Bishop of Alghero. Today, it belongs partly to the parish of Saint Andrew of Orani and partly to that of Saint Michael the Archangel of Sarule.

At 1,083 metres high, Mount Gonare has a triangular profile that makes it unmistakable even from a distance. The area displays a fantastic landscape, alternating limestone rocks and granite formations millions of years old, barren plateaus and lush, steep expanses, where rare and wonderful plants flourish, which have made this area particularly interesting since ancient times both for its geological and naturalistic value.

The road leading to the Sanctuary is carved into the rock, and offers a suggestive and enchanting route, albeit steep and wild. Along this path, pilgrims may come across places traditionally associated with the stops made by the Madonna with the Infant Jesus, where they can stop and gather in moments of devotion and prayer: su brazzolu (the cradle), where Mary is said to have laid the Child; s’imbaradorgiu, a seat-shaped boulder where the Virgin is said to have sat down to rest; a small hollow where she is said to have placed her hand, from which a white powder similar to talcum powder is still extracted today and to which miraculous healing properties are attributed. Around the Sanctuary, sas cumbessias, the typical rural country dwellings, provide shelter for pilgrims on the occasion of solemn celebrations.

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Madonna and Child icon with red mantle 45×30 cm Romania

This orthodox icon is hand-painted respecting the ancient picturesque and manufacturing techniques of the Byzantine iconography.

When is Our Lady of Gonare celebrated?

The Marian Sanctuaries have always represented sacred and significant places where devotion to the Virgin Mary is expressed in all its fullness. These places, rich in history, traditions, miracles and legends, bear witness to an immortal love that spans the centuries, and unites the faithful from all over the world in a feeling of profound devotion and gratitude. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Gonare is no exception. There are three celebrations dedicated to the Virgin here.

On 25 March, the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to Mary concerning her forthcoming pregnancy is celebrated. On this occasion, a special votive bread, Su pane ‘e vintichimbe (the bread of the twenty-fifth), is distributed to pilgrims.

On the last Sunday of May, the solemn Coronation of Our Lady of Gonare, which took place in 1972 before 50,000 faithful, is commemorated.

On 8 September, the Festa grande takes place, preceded by the novena to Our Lady of Gonare and accompanied by special hymns, the gosos. On this particular occasion, a considerable number of pilgrims ascend to the Sanctuary, following the ancient paths through woods and mountains, which become the setting for a special Way of the Cross. Many stay for some time in the cumbessias.

The Rosary of Our Lady of Gonare

Our store offers the Rosary of Our Lady of Gonare, a special glass rosary. This splendid devotional jewel is available in a wide range of colours, among which you can choose the one closest to your personal spirituality and aesthetic. In addition to its exquisitely faceted glass beads, the Rosary is enriched by a centrepiece dedicated to Our Lady of Gonare.

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Rosary in glass with Our Lady of Gonare, red, white and green

This glass rosary is available in different colours; the medal is dedicated to Our Lady of Gonare.