Sanctuary of Sant Salvador, in Artá

The Sanctuary of Sant Salvador is a fortified complex in Artà, Mallorca, located on top of a hill with panoramic views of the city and the sea. Originally built in the 13th century, the sanctuary has been a refuge and spiritual center and currently houses the image of the Virgin of Sant Salvador, patron saint of Artà. After being destroyed by the plague, it was rebuilt in the 19th century and is now a place of pilgrimage and a popular tourist attraction.

Main features

The complex includes a sanctuary, which is a Latin cross church with a neoclassical style and a dome and is surrounded by an elliptical fortified wall. Its origins date back to the 13th century, but the current building was rebuilt after the previous one was burned down in 1820 to stop the plague, leaving the current 19th-century structure. From its location on the hill of Puig de Sant Salvador, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Artà and its surroundings, including rooftops, fields and the sea.

Key architectural features of the Sant Salvador sanctuary in Artá

The Sanctuary of Sant Salvador, located in Artà, Mallorca, is an important religious complex with an interesting architectural history. The current church was built starting in 1825 and blessed in 1832, although its towers were completed later. The sanctuary is located at the top of Puig de Sant Salvador, 494.77 meters above sea level, offering beautiful panoramic views.

The main church follows a Renaissance design with a Latin cross plan and a neoclassical ornamental style. Unlike many churches, this one does not have an apse and is covered by a barrel vault. The two towers flanking the church are distinctive features and were built in the late 19th century. The sanctuary has a finely decorated portico, fresco paintings on the pendentives and a small museum with religious objects.

Santa María de Sant Salvador

The original 13th-century church was burned down and the current building is the result of subsequent reconstructions. The sanctuary houses the image of Santa María de Sant Salvador, patron saint of Artà, a Romanesque carving originally from the monastery of Bellpuig that was brought from Catalonia in the 12th century and moved to the sanctuary in the 15th century. Santa María de Sant Salvador is venerated as the patron saint of Artà.

The Sanctuary of Sant Salvador: Architectural elements

The Shrine of Sant Salvador in Artà features architecture that combines Renaissance and Neoclassical elements, although its origins lie in a 13th-century fortified church. The current building, rebuilt in 1971, retains the original 13th-century Latin cross plan with a semicircular arch. Highlights include its portico, richly decorated with plant motifs and scenes from the Last Supperand the dome, which was painted by Salvador Torres in 1892, representing Holy Glory and supported by pendentives with frescoes of the four evangelists.

The Es Donat residence is a 16th-century annex that was once the home of the caretaker responsible for maintaining the grounds. An ornate window flanked by attached half-columns stands out on the first floor of the façade.

Santuari de Sant Salvador: History and evolution

The original sanctuary dates back to the 13th century and was built on the remains of a Muslim fortress. In 1820, the old temple was used as a hospital for plague victims and was later burned down by the locals to prevent the spread of the disease. The current building is the result of reconstruction work carried out in 1971, which gave it its present appearance.

Historical and cultural context

The sanctuary is surrounded by a wall that gives it the appearance of a fortress. It houses the Romanesque carving of the Virgin of Sant Salvador, considered the patron saint of Artá and one of the oldest sculptures in Mallorca.

Activities and attractions at the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador (in Artá)

Climb: Access involves climbing about 180 steps, but the effort is rewarded by the views from the top.

Spiritual refuge: It is a place of Marian pilgrimage and offers a peaceful atmosphere.

Exhibitions: The complex houses a small museum and exhibition areas.

Restaurant: There is a restaurant in the monastery complex where you can sample the local cuisine.

And that’s it for this brief overview of the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador, in Artá, 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