About the Santa Barbara church
The church of Vilafranca de Bonany, was constructed and inaugurated back in 1631. A small construction, with only two side chapels and modest altar.
Due to a growing congregation in Vilafranca, the municipality agreed to begin the expansion of the church, which was finished in 1738. The bell tower however, wasn’t done until 1817.
The latest changes of the church construction, was between 1935 and 1942, when the transept and apse was made.
The main entrance, is made in baroque style, with a beautiful relief of Santa Bàrbara standing over it. To the left of the entrance, a monument of the tree most influential rectors of Vilafranca; Joan Mestre Oliver, P. Jaume Roselló and Guillem Font Català.
On top of the roof, a nice sculpture of Jesus Christ overlooking the sleepy village.
On the left side of the church, the gospel side, you will notice a small patio, this is the old graveyard of Vilafranca. There’s a sealed door here, which used to be the main entrance to the church, before the expansion works was finished in 1942.
When entering the church, notice the figure of holy heart, hanging under the dome. It was made by sculptor, Miquel Vadell, as an inauguration gift of the new construction in 1942.
Barrel vaults, arches and lunettes separates the 5 lateral chapels inside the church. At the square choir, you’ll see the stunning altar piece, with images of important religious characters.
Get directions to Església de Santa Barbara in Vilafranca de Bonany
Vilafranca de Bonany
Vilafranca de Bonany is a relaxing and tranquil little area in the Mallorcan countryside, a place where agricultural activities and traditions are still intact. Vilafranca may not be a big place, but it has a big heart, which is seen in the many annual celebrations and fairs held in the small village. The pastoral heart of Vilafranca is not to be missed, several religious monuments evidence the impact of religion throughout centuries. The main attraction, is the hilltop sanctuary of Bonany, an old monastery overlooking the entire countryside as far as the eye can see, but there is also the church of Santa Barbarà, the rectory, the small nun convent and several other historical buildings in the village to discover.
Vilafranca de Bonany things to do and stays