At 432 meters above sea level, atop the Puig de Santueri mountain, lies the Santueri Castle fortress. It belongs to the municipality of Felanitx, which is about seven kilometers away, and offers a fantastic view of the Serres de Llevant mountain range and the southeast coast of Mallorca.
The structure itself, with its walls and defensive towers, is also very interesting. Extensive renovations took place between 2011 and 2014. Now, the fortress is accessible again and is a popular attraction for tourists interested in history, hikers, and all those who enjoy breathtaking views.
Important information about tickets and opening hours:
- The fortress is open daily from April to October.
- Opening hours are from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Admission costs €4.00 (as of May 2024).
- There is free parking available.
- It is essential to wear sturdy footwear during your visit.
Map and Location
Santueri Castle is located in the southeast of the island of Mallorca, in the municipality of Felanitx.
The History of the Castell de Santueri Fortress
In the mountain plateau, a fortress already existed during Roman times: this is evidenced by archaeological findings dating back to the Roman occupation. In the following centuries, there were several successive constructions. In the Middle Ages, during the invasion of King James I, the Moors took refuge here.
During the conquest of Mallorca beginning in 1229, the fortress was fiercely defended for a year until it finally fell. From the remains of the old fortress, under the Spanish crown, a new fortress emerged in the 14th century. It was meant to protect, among other things, against pirate attacks.
Starting in the 18th century, the Castell de Santueri began to decline. Today, the heritage-protected ruin is in private hands and, since its restoration, it is one of the most interesting historical fortresses on the island.
Because the Castell is made of light limestone, it forms a fascinating contrast with the mountainous landscape and the blue sky. Therefore, it is worth a visit, especially because the Serra de Llevant region around Felanitx is very attractive.
For me, the Castell de Santueri is one of the best viewpoints in Mallorca. The view over the Serres de Llevant is stunning.
Richard Hanke
The tour of the fortress
With a rental car, Castell de Santueri is easy and quick to reach. From the Ma-14 heading towards Santanyi, there is a turnoff that leads directly to the fortress. There is free parking, but no kiosk or other facilities, so it is advisable to bring enough drinking water.
There are also no bathrooms available. The entrance fee is 4 euros (as of May 2024) and the fortress is open from April to October every day from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. At the entrance, visitors receive a small pamphlet with informative explanations about the fortress.
I always find it very exciting to move around the Castell de Santueri. There is a peculiar, wild, and romantic atmosphere, and the spirit of the past seems to be present everywhere.
Anyone wishing to combine a visit to Castell de Santueri with another historical point of interest on the island should consider the nearby Santuari de San Salvador monastery. Even though it’s visible from Castell de Santueri, the drive is about 14 kilometers. Plan for at least half an hour of travel time due to the winding road.
The monastery, which is also perched high above the sea, is famous for its unique panoramic view and is as interesting as the Felanitx fortress.
Advice:
On Sundays, a lovely weekly market is held in Felanitx. It’s fun to stroll through the stalls after visiting the Castell de Santueri and buy fresh fruits, vegetables, or beautiful souvenirs.
The Castell de Santueri: an impressive fortress with a turbulent history
The Santueri Castle is a peaceful and very picturesque place with magnificent views. Those who wish to immerse themselves in the history of Mallorca or are simply interested in ancient buildings and not seeking action or noisy attractions will love this ruin.
The influx of visitors is limited even during the high season, which is a positive aspect. However, it’s important to note that there are no dining or sanitary facilities at the fortress.
It’s also important to note that the short path from the parking area to the entrance is quite steep, which can be problematic for those with reduced mobility. It is recommended to wear sturdy footwear during the visit to Castell de Santueri.
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