Església de Santa Maria de 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 facade 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.