In the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana, in the northwest of Mallorca, lies the most important sanctuary on the island. The Monastery of Lluc is situated on a broad esplanade, surrounded by magnificent ancient trees, at an altitude of 525 meters.
The surrounding mountains, which rise over 1000 meters, and the Torrent de Lluc stream create a breathtaking postcard landscape. To the west of the monastery, the stream joins another creek to form the Torrent de Pareis, which flows into the sea at Sa Calobra.
Not just for pilgrims and visitors interested in spirituality, the Sanctuary of Lluc is a unique place where nature and culture come together in perfect harmony. It is an oasis of peace, ideal for disconnecting and finding tranquility in the serenity of this special place.
Important Information:
- Entrance to the Monastery of Lluc is free and not subject to opening hours.
- Entrance to the museum costs €5. It is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00 (summer) or from 10:00 to 17:00 (winter).
- Parking is available in front of the monastery. A day ticket costs €9.
- The Monastery of Lluc has a hostel offering 81 rooms and 39 apartments. All 120 accommodations are equipped with a bathroom, television, and heating.
Map and Location
The Monastery of Lluc is located in the northwest of Mallorca, in the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana.
A fascinating legend surrounds the Monastery of Lluc.
According to legend, a young Moorish shepherd named Lluc (the Catalan form of Lucas) found a dark statue of the Virgin Mary on the bank of a stream, among the rocks. The statue was immediately taken to the nearby chapel of Sant Pere d’Escorca, but the next day, when the faithful came to admire it, it had disappeared.
The figure of the Virgin was found once again in the place where it had been discovered. Once more, it was moved to the chapel, but the next day the same thing happened, and the statue was found again next to the stream in the Sierra de Tramuntana.
People understood that the Virgin wanted to remain in that place, and the parish priest decided to erect a small chapel in her honor on the same site. Thus began the origins of the Sanctuary of Lluc.
No one knows if the story is true, but it is deeply rooted in people’s faith. Nowadays, the Lluc Monastery is a popular destination for pilgrims and, at the same time, an excellent starting point for wonderful hikes through the Serra de Tramuntana.
Day trip or stay at the Sanctuary?
Tourists must first decide: do we only visit the Sanctuary or do we stay overnight? The monastery is also an ideal accommodation for those seeking peace and wanting to take a break in the tranquility of Mallorca.
In fact, the stay for guests arriving from all over Spain and also from abroad is a balm for the soul. The Christian faith is, of course, the center of it all. The rooms are simple but cozy, and to satisfy the palate, there is a restaurant, as well as bars and cafés.
The accommodation at the Santuari de Lluc is simple yet cozy. Perfect for disconnecting from daily life and recharging your energy.
Richard Hanke
What can be seen at the Sanctuary of Lluc?
As a destination for a day trip, the Monastery of Lluc is also worthwhile. Among other things, you can visit the basilica, the Virgin (the sanctuary of the monastery), and a museum.
The museum houses religious figures, archaeological pieces, and valuable ceramics. Numerous folk objects can also be seen.
The Sanctuary’s garden is impressive. What fascinates me the most is the sundial, which shows four different times: Babylonian hours, prayer times, Central European Time, and Central European Summer Time.
Additionally, around the monastery, you can take wonderful walks. The area is a true paradise for hikers.
The famous children’s choir with a long history
The children’s choir “Els Blauets” has a history dating back to the Middle Ages and is known beyond Mallorca. The name comes from the blue cassocks traditionally worn by the children.
Even today, the children sing every day during the school period in the church or in the church courtyard: always at 11:15 and 16:40. They come from different localities of Mallorca and receive training at the music school, which is also part of the monastery. It is a special experience to hear their crystal-clear voices in this extraordinary place.
Information for visiting and parking
Across from the monastery, there is a large paid parking lot. The daily rate is 8 euros (starting from May 2024). Entry to the Monastery of Lluc is free, with only a small fee of 5 euros for the museum. It is open from 10:00 to 18:00, while the monastery itself has no set opening hours. The journey from Palma to Escorca takes approximately one hour.
My conclusion on the Monastery of Lluc
The Sanctuary of Lluc is set in a spectacular environment and, for me, it is one of the most beautiful places in Mallorca. Although Christian faith is the central focus, it is also ideal for activities like hiking and is, both culturally and historically, one of the main attractions on the island.
Interesting sights near the Monastery of Lluc
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