Nuorese Cultural District
Sarule
Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Gonare
Description
Monte Gonare, located in the hilly region around Sarule and Orani, is striking for its sharp peaks.
Its three main summits stand out for their conical shape: Gonare (1083 m), Gonareddu (1045 m) and Punta Lotzori (976 m).
The peaks are covered with oak forests, delicate orchids and numerous endemic species, including the Colchicum gonarei Camarda, the Arum pictum and the Ziziphora sardoa.
The local fauna also includes a few species that are exclusive to the island, like the Sardinian tree frog, along with the pine marten, hare, fox, wild boar and various types of bird, including the turtle dove, woodpecker, buzzard, goshawk and peregrine falcon.
To preserve the important biodiversity of the area, Monte Gonare was added to the European Union’s list of Sites of Community Importance.
The sanctuary of Nostra Signora de Gonare is right on top of the mountain’s highest peak.
According to tradition, the sanctuary was built in the twelfth century by Judge Gonnario II di Torres in thanks for having been saved from shipwreck on his return from the Second Crusade.
To get to the sanctuary, you take a fascinating trail, partially dug into the rock, that winds past a series of cumbessias, temporary lodgings for the faithful during celebrations in honour of the Madonna.
Contact
- Address:
- Monte Gonare, 08020 Sarule NU, Italia