Church of Santa Margalida

The parish church of Santa Margalida is an important example of Baroque religious architecture in the outlying area of Mallorca. It dates back to the 13th century, although it has been modified and expanded over the centuries, with a major reconstruction dating from 1660. Inside, Gothic and Baroque altarpieces from different periods have been preserved.

Origins and legend of the Church of Santa Margalida

The Church of Santa Margalida is linked to a legend about the discovery of an image of the saint in a nearby cave. It is said that the church was built on the spot where the image was found, which, according to tradition, was discovered in the midst of a bright light. This local tradition recounts that the image of Santa Margalida was found by inhabitants of an ancient village called Hero, who saw a bright light in the cave. The image was found in the midst of this prodigious light.

History and characteristics

Although tradition places the founding of the Parish Church of Santa Margalida on February 8, 1232, the first documentary records date from the 14th century, after a fire that led to its reconstruction in 1336. The church has undergone successive renovations and extensions, the most important of which took place between 1341 and 1374, when the apse was rebuilt. Due to its inability to accommodate the growing local population, the church underwent a major extension in the 17th century, which gave it its current baroque style.

The parish church of Santa Margalida is a historical and religious landmark in the area. It is located at the highest point of the village, offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. It was originally built on the site of an Islamic farmstead called Hiachat. Local tradition links its name to the discovery of an image of Saint Margaret in a nearby cave, although it is also related to the arrival of the first clergymen in the parish, who came from Santa Margarida d’Empúries (Sanctae Margaritae de Empurias).

Church of Santa Margalida: Architectural details

The church has a rectangular floor plan with a single nave, side chapels, and a rectangular apse. The roof is wooden with a gable, supported by diaphragm arches. The apse has an octagonal ribbed vault. The chapels have an irregular floor plan and ribbed vaults. The choir is located above lowered arches supported by octagonal columns. The current building, with its rectangular floor plan, single nave, and side chapels, dates from 1967, when it was restored and dedicated to military service.

Façade of the Church of Santa Margalida

The façade of the Parish Church of Santa Margalida is characterized by its Baroque style and features impost lines, a rose window, and the main portal with figures of Saint Margaret, Saint Peter, and Saint John the Baptist. The church, rebuilt in 1660, stands out in the Part Forana of Mallorca for its Baroque religious architecture.

Horizontal impost lines run across the façade, creating a sense of division and structure. The rose window is a circular decorative element with stained glass that allows light to enter the interior. The main portal, at the main entrance, is adorned with sculptures of Saint Margaret, Saint Peter, and Saint John the Baptist.

Interior of the Church of Santa Margalida

Although the Church of Santa Margalida is Baroque in style, its interior retains many original Gothic elements and altarpieces from different periods, including the old Gothic altarpiece of Santa Margalida from the previous temple, along with other Baroque altarpieces from later periods. The Baroque altarpieces in several chapels are particularly noteworthy, such as those of Sant Antoni, del Roser, Sant Josep, San Francisco, and San Sebastián, as well as the 18th-century main altarpiece.

Proximity to the tourist center of Can Picafort

Can Picafort, located about 10 km from the church of Santa Margalida, has become the largest and most touristy population center in the municipality of Santa Margalida, contrasting with the more rural nature of the village. The area has undergone significant tourist development since the 1970s, transforming from a small fishing village into an important tourist center. However, despite its tourist growth, Can Picafort retains elements of its history and culture, including the church of Santa Margalida and many other local traditions.

Conclusions

In summary, the church of Santa Margalida is a symbol of history and faith in Santa Margalida, with remarkable architecture and a deep connection to local traditions, including the famous procession of the Beata. The church of Santa Margalida is an important landmark in the municipality, and the town celebrates its patron saint with a procession on the first Sunday in September, in which demons and farmers, among others, participate. In addition to the church, other points of interest in Santa Margalida include stately homes and the Plaza de la Villa, showcasing the town’s rich heritage. Very close to the town, down towards the coast, is the beach of Ca’n Picafort, a long stretch of coastline with hotels and restaurants.

And that’s it for this brief overview of Church of Santa Margalida, Mallorca. We hope it helps.

By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island