The architectural typology of the previous sanctuary (possibly from the medieval period) is unknown. The architectural structure of the current sanctuary dates back to 1797 and has undergone no changes. The church features a Latin cross plan with a single nave and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Near the rectangular apse, there are two small chapels. The façade is monumental, in a revisited Rococo style with local influences: it is horizontally divided by three subtle cornices and vertically by superimposed column orders. At the top, there are prominent crests. The decoration, with a folkloric touch, is particularly rich above the portal and the central window. On the sides, there are sturdy buttresses, between which lodgings for important pilgrims were built.

**Description:**
The statue consists of a wooden mannequin representing the Madonna. The body is made from a single, un-carved piece of wood; the face and upper limbs are only roughly outlined. She wears a white dress with golden embroidery and a blue cloak. On her head rests a silver crown. The long dark hair is real and was donated as ex-votos for received graces. Local scholars consider it Baroque in style, though no precise dating is currently available. It is also unknown when it came into use, and whether there was a change in the venerated object (possible, as local tradition mentions another, smaller Madonna statue compared to the one used today).

**Image:** Statue
**Original location of the Sanctuary:** Walls of the sanctuary; statue of the Madonna.
**Notes on the collection:**
All items are contemporary, and no more precise dates are currently available. The collection today consists of a few precious specimens (silver and gold), as most non-precious ex-votos were lost in the 1950s.
**Types of ex-votos:** Inscribed tablets or plaques, Other
**Current preservation:** Few ex-votos still adorn the Madonna statue (in the sanctuary). A display case for the complete exhibition of all ex-votos is currently being prepared, which the Municipality of Mara, on the parish priest’s suggestion, intends to place in the ancient *cumbessias* (pilgrim lodgings adjacent to the sanctuary).

According to some scholars, the sanctuary has much older origins, dating back to the Middle Ages when, likely part of the Diocese of Bosa, it may have served as the parish church of the village of Bonuighinu. The original church might have been partially destroyed around 1436, coinciding with the destruction of the nearby *villa* and castle of the same name. However, recent studies suggest that the parish church of the destroyed village of Bonu Ighinu was Santa Caterina, while the sanctuary may have been a temporary religious settlement. In 1797, the sanctuary—likely predating this period—was certainly restored and expanded. From 1980 to 1997, during further restoration work, the church was temporarily abandoned. The Madonna statue was then moved to the village of Mara, and rituals were held at the Parish of St. John the Baptist. Since 1997, the restored sanctuary, with its venerated object returned, has been in operation again.

A legend, passed down orally, was recently documented by a local scholar collaborating with the Municipality of Mara, who is preparing a work on the subject. The legend goes as follows: In the past, the village of Mara and neighboring settlements were constantly in conflict. One day, the Madonna appeared and requested the construction of a small church to restore peace and reestablish *bonuighinau* (good neighborly relations) among the nearby villages. The sanctuary was thus built on the site of the apparition.

Some traditions concerning the Madonna’s miracles are recorded in *Congiu-Serra, Mara nella memoria* (see bibliography):
1) During a procession from Mara to the sanctuary, while the bearers rested, some inhabitants of the nearby village of Padria tried to take the Madonna statue. It suddenly became extremely heavy and could not be lifted. The Madonna, unwilling to go with the Padria villagers, lightened only when lifted again by the Mara bearers.
2) A variant of the previous tradition: the statue became heavy because it had lost a ring from its adornments. Once the ring was found and replaced, the statue lightened, and the procession continued.
3) During a drought, an extraordinary procession was held to pray for rain. Where the Madonna statue had just passed, large clouds appeared, and rain began immediately, while ahead, where it had not passed, the sky remained clear.

Another tradition, collected during the sanctuary’s documentation, tells of the custodian and his family, who lived near the sanctuary in extreme poverty. When the hungry children asked for food, their mother sent them to the Madonna statue, saying she would provide—and each time, the children found enough to eat.

Another account in *Congiu-Serra, Mara nella memoria* mentions a smaller Madonna statue, kept by a hermit who called her “mama” and was always protected by her. A further tradition hints at a connection (whose meaning remains unclear) between Mara, the nearby village of Villanova Monteleone, and the city of Alghero, claiming the Madonna of Bonuighinu was the “sister” of those of Inter Rios (Villanova Monteleone) and Valverde (Alghero).

In 1952, the Madonna of Bonuighinu’s statue was robbed of its dress, which bore numerous precious ex-votos. Most were never recovered. Between 1954 and 1960, wax ex-votos were destroyed. Finally, during the last restoration phase, painted tablets by local artists were also lost.

The sanctuary was recently (1998) included in the broader *Grazia Deledda Literary Park* project, through which the Municipality of Mara aims to enhance and promote the religious complex, including for tourism.

Today, the sanctuary remains under the jurisdiction of the Parish of St. John the Baptist in Mara.

The effective date of enforcement is unknown but may have begun as early as 1797. Currently, the parish priest of St. John the Baptist administers the Sanctuary of Bonuighinu. The physical upkeep of the church, overseen by the priest, is managed by a local committee (the same one organizing the religious and civil festival and keeping the building open throughout the summer).

Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, 6, 07010 Mara SS, Italy