Visit a monastery in Mallorca

Mallorca is a pilgrimage destination in many respects - and this is also due to the island's beautiful monasteries. They are places of contemplation, devotion and, in some cases, also a magnet for visitors. The monasteries on Mallorca are a rich heritage - more than 70 have opened their doors to visitors and are now among the most important sights on the Balearic island. From classic religious communities and holy pilgrimage sites to historical museums, modern hotels and wellness centres, the island's monastic landscape is richly endowed.

In addition to ancient walls, precious relics and tranquillity at night, monastery travellers are often rewarded with breathtaking views over the vast Mallorcan landscape. This is because many of the monasteries are elevated above or nestled deep in the seclusion. There is a religious reference point on almost every mountain ledge and hill in Mallorca. After the reconquest of the island (Reconquista), pious men and women retreated there to pray and do penance. Miraculous events almost always preceded the construction of monasteries and churches. Be it because prayers were answered, the sky lit up at the hour of a star or statues developed magical powers.

The monastery island

The development of a unique monastic landscape has earned Mallorca the nickname "Monastery Island". Nowhere else are there more monasteries or hermitages in terms of island area and population. And the Mallorcans cultivate a respectful and grateful relationship with their monasteries. Not just for church services. Especially at weekends and on public holidays, you can see families setting off here and there with large picnic bags to the monasteries to spend the day in the shade of the old walls.

The pilgrim march

A special spectacle takes place every year on a weekend in August, when thousands of people set off on the night pilgrimage from Palma to the monastery of Lluc to commemorate the almost miraculous recovery of a Mallorcan child. The "Lluc a peu" night walk (starting at around 23:00) covers 42 kilometres through the centre of the island and has been an integral part of Mallorcan culture for more than 40 years. People from all over the world now take part.

Overnight stay in a monastery on Mallorca

For many people, a trip to a monastery in Mallorca is associated with an overnight stay in one of the monasteries. This has been possible for some years now - from simple monastery cells to luxury suites, new rooms have been created in many hostels. Until well into the 1990s, most establishments still kept their doors closed. With the advent of "soft tourism", however, the ball started rolling on Mallorca and more and more monasteries opened up to new concepts and thus to the public. In addition, fewer and fewer people wanted to live in a monastery and many monasteries had to be abandoned due to a lack of young people.

Today, some monasteries are secular places with a religious tradition that are no longer run by a church organisation. Despite their often exposed location, most of the houses are easy to reach and are often connected to local public transport. For many visitors, however, a proper pilgrimage programme involves an arduous hike or a sporty bike ride up the mountain.

In order not to lose track of all the cultural sites and to find the perfect destination for you, we have compiled an overview of what we consider to be the five most important and most beautiful monasteries on Mallorca. You can also stay overnight in these hostels. In the maps you will also find other hermitages and important sites that you can visit.

The 5 most important monasteries on Mallorca

1st Lluc Monastery - the spiritual centre

With his discovery in the mountains of the Tramuntana, a Moorish shepherd boy named Lluc laid the foundation stone for the construction of the most famous monastery on Mallorca. According to tradition, it was a black statue of the Madonna that he discovered among the stones in a basin in the municipality of Escorca and which kept returning to this place. A chapel was built on that spot, which became the starting point of this religious complex. Work on the church, which has a central nave, three chapels, a barrel vault and a dome, took several decades. The spiritual centre of Mallorca is located more than 500 metres above sea level and attracts millions of holidaymakers every year. Not only pilgrims. People with no religious affiliation are also fascinated by this place and its history.

Some may also come because of the Catalan star architect Gaudi, who immortalised himself in the monastery. The baroque decoration of the church was completed according to his suggestions and ideas, after which the church was consecrated by the bishop in 1914. However, the centrepiece of the church's masterpiece is still the black Madonna set with precious stones, of which there are only three. Many devout people come to see it, pray and feel the effect of this place. In addition to the magnificent interior of the basilica, other special features include a monastery garden with a plant trail.

The fact that Lluc is still the destination and starting point for many excursions today is due to the history of the pilgrimage site. The monastery was always a place of pilgrimage and had to be accessible to people from different parts of the island - this explains the three main paths that lead to the monastery. Monks lived in LLuc Monastery until 2019, and there is a boarding school, a museum and a monastery hostel. The sanctuary is also home to the famous "Blauets" choir, which was founded in 1532 and gives concerts and public rehearsals here.

Accommodation at Lluc Monastery: Lluc Monastery is also a hostel with currently 81 rooms and 39 flats with kitchens. All accommodation is equipped with a bathroom, TV and heating, and some have uninterrupted views of the Tramuntana. The monastery hostel is particularly well booked during the hiking months from October to March. Further information at www.lluc.net.

2. monastery Santuari de Sant Salvador - the Christian fortress

Majestically situated like a fortress on the Puig de Salvador near Felanitx, the monastery of the same name is a place to arrive, marvel and look around. For some, the panoramic view of large parts of the island from the viewing platforms is like a revelation. Sant Salvador is without doubt one of the most beautiful and, according to lluc, most important monasteries in Mallorca. It rises into the sky on the 509 metre-high mountain like a throne. A chapel was built on the highest point in 1348. In 1715, the great popularity of the place was recognised and a parish church was built. The monastery was home to monks until 1992. Since their departure, the monastery has been in private hands.

The interior of the church is characterised by a baroque high altar, a statue of the Virgin Mary and a replica of the Last Supper. The importance of the pilgrimage site for believers to this day can be seen in the many photos that people have left here to express their gratitude for a recovery or a positive turn of events in their lives.

Even the approach to the monastery is breathtaking - especially for the many cyclists who battle it out on the mountain. The road winds its way around the mountain for five kilometres and those who make it to the top are captivated by the impressive buildings. First and foremost is the imposing Crist Rei monument, a gigantic stone cross. Sant Salvador has a tavern and a hostel.

Overnight stay in the Sant Salvador monastery: You can also spend your holiday in the monastery in Sant Salvador in simple and cosy rooms. All rooms have been completely renovated and some have a terrace. Further information at www.santsalvadorhotel.com.

3rd Randa Monastery - the holy mountain.

On the highest and only mountain in the centre of the island, Puig Randa at 542m, you can visit three monasteries, where one of Mallorca's most famous personalities once sought refuge. The monk and philosopher Ramon Llull retreated here for several years in the Santuari de Nostra Senyora Cura, laying the foundations for today's museum, where you can admire the life and work of the Mallorcan. 27,000 pages of text and the origin of the Catalan language are said to have been written here.

One of the monasteries is still inhabited by reclusive monks and thus remains hidden from visitors. However, the other two complexes and, above all, the spectacular views over the Mallorcan plain offer a great deal. If you're looking for something more sporty, this is also a wonderful opportunity for a hike or cycle tour. An excursion to the monastery can be combined with a visit to the restaurant, which is housed in the former monastery library. In addition to an exciting day trip, overnight accommodation is also available here.

Overnight stay in the Santuari de Cura monastery: The rooms and flats in the Cura have been warmly and comfortably furnished. The hostel offers conference and meeting rooms and is therefore also suitable for a company outing on Mallorca. Further information can be found at www.santuaridecura.com.

4th Puig de Maria Monastery - Original.

The sanctuary of the Virgin Mary rises 330 metres above sea level in the north-west of Mallorca near Pollenca. The foundation of the monastery in the middle of the 14th century dates back to the devastating plague epidemic, which resulted in the death of numerous inhabitants. The sign for the construction of the monastery came from a miraculous event experienced by three lay sisters. According to the story, they followed an unusual light and found a statue of the Virgin Mary on the mountain, which could not be carried away despite the help of strong men. This made it clear that a holy place had to be built on this spot. The chapel was completed in 1355 and 20 years later it became a monastery, which housed various orders of nuns and monks over the centuries. It was not until 1988 that the last residents moved out.

The monastery is popular for its refectory, a deeply original room, the statue of the Madonna and a nativity scene. Coins, household items from the monastery kitchen and tools are on display in a small exhibition. Visitors can enjoy the view over parts of the Tramuntana mountains and the nearby bay of Pollenca from various levels in the inner courtyard.

Overnight stay in the Puig de Maria monastery: You should not expect luxury in this very original place. The monastery rooms are spartanly furnished, which contributes to an almost meditative atmosphere and the feeling of being a hermit. Double and single rooms are available, as well as communal areas such as the kitchen with fireplace and dining room. To book, call +34 / 971 18 41 32.

5th Ermita de Bonany - Magnificent and romantic.

The majestic "Bonany" monastery complex near Petra in the centre of the island is also known as the Catedral de las montañas because of its appearance. The name "Bon any" means "good year" and goes back to a miracle. Because a period of drought around 1609 threatened the harvest and livelihoods, inhabitants of the neighbouring villages made a pilgrimage to the mountain to pray for rain before the Madonna of the Ermita de Bonany. With success. The drought ended and the harvest was abundant. In gratitude, a chapel was built on the mountain and the baroque church was constantly modified and enlarged over the following centuries. Further buildings were only added around 1900. Today, visitors encounter a variety of architectural styles.

To this day, Mallorcans come to Puig de Bonany to pray for a "good year". The mass on New Year's Day is always well attended. The view from the mountain of the bay of Alcudia, the Randa table mountain and parts of the Tramuntana is impressive. If you set off from Petra, you have to walk around 4 kilometres. It is also possible to get there by car - there is only one access road.

Overnight stay in Bonany Monastery: The hermitage offers simple accommodation in 5 monastery cells and is therefore the right place for people who are really looking for a break in a monastery. In addition to the rooms, there is a kitchen and a refectory for the community. There is a functioning monastery well in the courtyard. Telephone: +34 971 82 65 68.