Bonorva

Bonorva, in the heart of the Logudoro region in northwestern Sardinia, is a charming village about 50 kilometers from Sassari. Its name, probably derived from the Latin Bonus Orbis, meaning “good land,” reflects the area’s deep connection with nature and the fertility of the Campeda plateau, long dedicated to agriculture and pastoralism.

The town preserves extraordinary evidence of a past stretching back to prehistoric times, such as the Sant’Andrea Priu necropolis, one of the most important funerary complexes in Sardinia and the Mediterranean. Its domus de janas, rock-cut tombs, date back over 5,000 years. The historic center, with its narrow streets and panoramic views, is dominated by the Church of the Nativity of Mary, built between the 16th and 17th centuries, which houses altars and works of significant artistic value.

Bonorva is also a place where traditional craftsmanship remains alive, particularly textile art produced on horizontal looms, creating rugs and tapestries that reflect the cultural identity of the area. Surrounding the village is an authentic landscape of plateaus, nuraghi, ancient rock formations, and nature trails, perfect for hiking and quiet moments in the countryside.

In this context of close human-environment interaction, the preservation of local biodiversity plays an important role. In Bonorva, dedicated custodians safeguard valuable traditional breeds: Francesco Deriu, custodian of the Sardo-Bruna cow, and Maria Antonietta Cossu, custodian of the Sardinian pig. Thanks to their work and dedication, this important livestock heritage continues to be preserved, helping to maintain the rural and cultural identity of the area.