Sant Salvador Monastery, known as Santuari de Sant Salvador, is a walled fortress built on top of an earlier Moorish enclave, encompassing a small, salmon coloured church. It is considered Mallorca's second most important place of pilgrimage, following Lluc and is unarguably the most famous sight in the town of Arta. It stands right at the very top of a 500-metre high hill, which looks out across southwest Mallorca to Felantix. On a clear day‚ of which there are many in Mallorca‚ you can see right from Porto Colom in the southwest to Santanyi in the southeast, allowing you to take in all the surrounding pastoral scenes and stone farmhouses dotted over fertile fields, with the stunning backdrop of the Serra de Llevant. In the 14th century, the walls were built to surround and protect the town from invaders or pirates. The Lord of Santueri Castle, which stands at the top of a nearby hill, founded Sant Salvador Monastery in 1348. Since the 15th century, worshippers have been descending here to visit the statue of the Virgin. Originally, worshippers had to climb the narrow walkways to the summit, passing the Stations of the Cross and the wayside shrine built next to a spring along the way. When looking up at the monastery, you won't believe you can get to it by car, but a new road was built in 1961, although you will need to brave the steep, curvy road to get there. Once at the top, you will approach the overawing views of the giant statue of Jesus, towering over the eastern side of the car park. After visiting the statue, head towards the monastery. The surrounding parklands are beautifully maintained by the Mallorcan government. You will then come across a water well by the entrance where cool water can be sampled. The church was actually built in 1832 after the modest chapel that used to be there was purposely burnt down following a cholera epidemic. Upon entrance, you will come across a plaque by the entrance which pays homage to Miquel Rogo y Puig, who built the road to the summit. Inside the church is a recent sculpture of the Virgin and Child; the original statue now remains in one of the side chapels. There is also a gift shop here if you wish to buy mementos of your visit, and on the other side, up some steps, you can enjoy light refreshments at the on-site cafe. Sant Salvador is definitely worth a visit‚ it is a great place to take a picnic and enjoy the spectacular views. Paul is a journalist and author of numerous blogs and web sites. This latest site launched some twelve months ago is dedicated to all things Mallorca. Articles cover latest news, stories, products and services including property, restaurants, shopping, boats and much more. The aim of the site is to explore the Luxury Lifestyle and Property For Sale In Mallorca and make it accessible to everyone.
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