From the hill of Bonaria, Paul VI, during his visit in 1970, solemnly proclaimed: "One cannot be a Christian if one is not Marian." The history of the Basilica, which preserves the simulacrum miraculously arrived from the sea, a hundred years after its dedication, is retraced in its many aspects during the conference "The Centenary of the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria. History, Architecture, and Identity."

The initiative is part of the celebrations marking the century since the consecration of a symbolic Sardinian site, which preserves religious and civic memories. Following greetings from Daniele Cocco, president of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, speakers will include Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi, Caterina Giannattasio, director of the School of Specialization in Architectural and Landscape Heritage, and Marcello Schirru, professor of History of Architecture. Contributions will also be given by Alessandra Pasolini, former professor of History of Modern Art, and Luca Lecis, professor of Contemporary History in the Faculty of Letters.

The closing remarks will be delivered by Ferdinando Caschili, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cagliari. An exhibition will be held dedicated to the architectural evolution of the Basilica. The historic wooden model of the building will be on display, accompanied by a selection of archival drawings and period photographs. Construction of the Basilica of Bonaria began in 1704. Work, suspended by order of the Savoy government, resumed in 1910 and was completed in 1926.

(Unioneonline)

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