The parish church of Mother Mary, is literally the biggest sight in Sineu
The church is the very first thing you will notice when approaching Sineu from either of the roads leading to the town. The Santa Maria church is a massive construction.
Just 7 years after the Catalan-Aragonese conquest of Mallorca, in 1231, the first parish church was raised in Sineu. The church was established on initiative of Ferrer de Pallerès, bishop of Tarragonia, southern Catalonia.
In May, 1505, a terrible fire destroyed big parts of the church, which took many years to restore and which made the foundation of the temple you see today, also in Gothic style.
In the years between 1880 and 1882, the parish church underwent some rather extensive works, resulting in an expansion of it. The works was done by architect, Joaquim Pavia, whom added the beautiful tympanum to the frontispiece, as well as the rather unorthodox octagon shaped dome on top of the church.
At the main austere Gothic entrance of the church, notice the archivolt supported by columns with carved nature motifs on them. Next to the entrance, you will see a cross hanging symbolizing the Via Crucis, Jesus’ way to the Golgata hill.
The massive bell tower of the church is among the highest of Mallorca’s churches, an amazing 7 store tower crowned with a pyramid spear. The original bell tower burned in the fire of 1505 and was rebuilt in 1549.
A local myth of Sineu, tells of es Pern del Món, translated into “the bolt of the world”, which is located under the bell tower of the church. Every new years eve, the mayor and the rector meets here to oil the screw, because if they don’t, the world will go under.
As with other churches of Mallorca, I can only advice you to step inside and have a look at the many treasures collected throughout time.
Parts of elder altarpieces are preserved in here, such as the one made by Gaspar Gener, from approx. between 1571-1581.
There is also remains of the beautiful baroque altarpiece of Our Lady of Rosary, and a piece displaying Saint Martin.
On the façade of Plaça de Sant Marc, where the lion stands, the Baroque portal built in 1783 stands out.
In the rectory of Sineu, just next door from the church, you will find the original image of Santa Maria, made by famous painter Gabriel Möger, in 1509.
Get directions to Església de Santa Maria in Sineu
Sineu
Sineu is to many inhabitants, namely the local inhabitants, the very heart of Mallorca due to the central location and the many historical monuments and buildings in the town. Sineu is perhaps most famous for its Wednesday tourist market where the narrow silent streets are turned into a commerce mecca of hundreds of thousands of people bargaining. But Sineu is actually one of the greater places to visit and go sightseeing in Mallorca, as you will find a nice handful of interesting constructions such as the Santa Maria church, the former Minims convent, the former royal palace, Gothic hospital etc., all places that tell a story from a period in the history of Sineu and the making of this town. Moreover, Sineu is a great place to discover some traditional Mallorcan cuisine as you will find a number of cellers and bars that serves delicious dishes worth traveling for. Last but not least, Sineu hosts a number of annual events and happenings where local traditions are celebrated with festivities and fairs, an excellent opportunity to feel the soul of Mallorca when it truly unfolds.
Sineu things to do, market and hotel