From the Romanesque style of the basilica of San Simplicio in Olbia to the neoclassical style of the sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Bonaria in Cagliari. In the midst of so much nature with the mountain profiles of the Tepilora and Giara parks, paths, woods, country churches, traditions, deep silences and noisy intervals between cities and state roads. And then many villages to discover between stops, refreshments and hospitality. It is the path of Bonaria, drawn by the so-called Carta di Lula, the baptismal act of a path that has a privileged eye towards religious itineraries to be rediscovered but also looks beyond, that is to a journey that in the name of friendship and dialogue unite all of Sardinia and perhaps open up new opportunities for tourism development. The project was born a little in the wake of the unbeatable Santiago de Compostela route, acclaimed destination for pilgrims from all over the world, or the Via Francigena, another highly attractive route. And it is projected towards a tourism that contemplates fatigue and discovery, keeps races and frenzies away to restore the beauty of rhythms in tune with creation.
To grasp the spirit, just scroll through the stages, twelve for now, although variants and braces are possible.
The main ridge winds from the most expensive religious monument in the city of Olbia and in the whole of north-eastern Sardinia to take the road towards Padru, then Ludurru, then reach the Nuorese area crossing the paths of the Tepilora park, stopping in the sanctuaries of the Annunziata a Bitti and San Francesco a Lula with the characteristic cumbessias for pilgrims, then the ascent to the Redeemer on Mount Ortobene in Nuoro and the next stage of Orotelli. The steps along the way will then reach Sedilo, Fordongianus, Usellus, Sini, where you can admire the Giara, before descending towards Sanluri and Assemini up to Cagliari, on the Bonaria hill with the homage to the patron saint of Sardinia. This special journey tells ancient stories, strong traditions although on the edge of the most popular spotlights. An undoubtedly unprecedented opportunity to be lulled by cultural and food and wine references that pilgrims usually cannot give up. Their days are not only full of steps, but also of many curiosities to see with your own eyes.
Lula's charter certifies the start of the project, developed by a group of friends from all over the island who at the beginning of October found themselves in the rural church of the Miracle, at the foot of Montalbo, a year or so from experience that led him step by step from Olbia to Cagliari. It took twelve days for the long crossing. Several travel companions who accompanied the two pioneers, Antonello Menne and Francesco Calledda, for all Zigheddu, in the various stages. Both habitués of the paths, tireless walkers, experts on the paths trodden by pilgrims from a thousand origins who flock to Santiago and those still to be explored. «The path of Bonaria is wonderful for the beauty of the landscapes, it deserves to be valued also from a tourist point of view», comments Francesco Calledda who at 83, with the usual backpack on his shoulders, retains a surprising enthusiasm.
«The path is like a popular song: it becomes such if it is adopted by the people. This is why we must make him known and loved », says Menne, a lawyer in Milan, origins of Orotelli, author of various publications that describe his most important journeys: Santiago, the Via Francigena and the Holy Land. He, president of the newly formed association "Cammino di Bonaria", like the other promoters of the association that was established in Lula, knows that it is not easy to equip a path open to all, to make it accessible and visible, to guarantee the necessary services to provide refreshment. to pilgrims because the administrative tasks are so many and mapping the paths takes a long time. But the group is certain that it is a bet to be attempted in any case involving communities, local administrations, schools, parishes, associations.
"We need to get out on the road and be inclusive", is Antonello Menne's program also in light of the field experience made in 2020 when he set out from Milan towards Liguria, walked all over Corsica and then, landed in Olbia , found himself sharing the route now renamed Cammino di Bonaria with Francesco Calledda. After a year of reflection, the project aims at concreteness to take root the basic idea written on the Charter: "Promote a journey as a place of welcome and dialogue for believers and non-believers, according to the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi who he went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land to offer peace in place of the sword. A path of peace and harmony, of openness to pilgrims who want to cross Sardinia to listen to the stories of its people and admire the beauty of its natural environment. A journey that knows how to put the values of respect for people and solidarity in the foreground ». There is a thought towards mother earth to preserve her from indifference and neglect. The promoting group not only pays attention to good intentions and papers to start, it is already preparing a next crossing in 2022. A way to retrace the steps taken and look to future ones so as not to miss the goal.