© seemallorca.com
© seemallorca.com
Sanctuary de Sant Salvador, Felanitx
Old monastery on top of hill with wonderful views
This old hermitage, 509m above sea level at the highest point of the Serra de Llevant near the town of Felanitx, was the senior house of Mallorca's monastic order and the last to lose its monks in 1992.
It is still a popular place of pilgrimage, flanked by two enormous landmarks - to one side a 14m stone cross, to the other a 35m column topped by a statue of Christ holding out his right hand in blessing.
The church contains a fine carved alabaster retable, but more interesting is the side chapel off the gatehouse, full of poignant mementos and prayers to Our Lady. Like other former monasteries, Sant Salvador has a few simple rooms available for pilgrims and visitors.
The views from the terrace take in Cabrera, Cap de Formentor and several other hilltop sanctuaries dotted across the plain. From the statue of Christ you look out towards the Castell de Santueri, a 14th century rock castle built into the cliffs on the site of a ruined Arab fortress.
