Visit the historic monastery of Monti Sion
On Mallorca, you often see that hill and mountain tops are symbols of the associated villages. Puig de Monti Sion, where the monastery Santuari de Monti Sion is located, is one of those symbolic peaks of the rural village of Porreres.
The sanctuary, Santuari de Monti Sion, is probably one of the most visited attractions in the south of Es Pla in the interior of Mallorca.
The temple is dedicated to Our Mother of Zion, where Zion’s hill outside Jerusalem, of great importance for the Christian faith. Zion is often referred to as ‘holy mountain’ as he occupies the mountain. Zion is often looked at as a place from which help will come. Referenced in the Bible also to Zion as Davis city, which King David captured.
Santuari de Monti Sion was founded and built by Franciscan monks in the year 1551, where they also founded a grammar and rhetorical school in the monastery. There should not be long before the school’s reputation spread all over Mallorca. Over several periods, gave Santuari de Monti Sion lodging to over 500 students at the same time, even in our days, will be quite impressive.
In the early 19th century, Spain saw a wave of secularization that Mallorca could not avoid. Santuari de Moni Sion was shut down as a direct result of this, and were left to decay.
Not until the early 20th century, the renovation work at the monastery began.
The road towards Puig de Monti Sion, offers some beautiful and very varying landscapes. Particularly the path between Porreres and Campos, you can get a glimpse of the historical finca Possessio Es Monjos, where you can also enjoy the beautiful leftovers of red almond meadows that are now replaced by green vineyards.
You reach Santuari de Moni Sion via a picturesque narrow stone path, approximately 2km, which twists its way around the hill. On the way up, you notice a stone cross, which was erected in 1497, before the monastery was built, a symbol of the pilgrimage path leading up here.
As you reach the top, you are rewarded with views of the area from the altitude of 263 meters.
A particularly good time to visit the monastery, is on the first Sunday after Easter where a huge parade of people from Porreres, are followed to the monastery accompanied by music and dance.
Get directions to the Monti Sion sanctuary in Porreres
Porreres
Porreres is located in the southern part of the region called “Pla de Mallorca”, the most flat and plain region of the island. Porreres has a lot to offer to visitors; great restaurants, cultural heritage and traditions, points of interest and authentic places to stay, namely the agroturismos and fincas.
Porreres agroturismo stay and things to do
More Points of Interest to visit in Porreres
Esglesia de Nuestra Señora de Consolación
More charming places to discover in the Pla de Mallorca region
Algaida things to do and accommodation
Ariany things to do and accommodation
Can Picafort things to do and accommodation
Costitx things to do and accommodation
Lloret de Vistalegre things to do and accommodation
Llubí things to do and accommodation
Maria de la Salut things to do and accommodation
Muro things to do and accommodation
Montuïri things to do and accommodation
Petra things to do and accommodation
Platja de Muro things to do and hotel
Santa Eugenia things to do and accommodation
Sant Joan things to do and accommodation
Santa Margalida things to do and accommodation
Sencelles things to do and accommodation
Other chapels and sanctuaries to visit in Mallorca
Mallorca's Top sightseeing attractions
Palma Cathedral
Palma cathedral La Seu is an amazing sight, both from the inside and outside. Palma cathedral is one of the biggest in Europe, and great artists like Gaudi have worked on the amazing temple. There are guided tours and you can even visit the rooftop terraces offering magical views.
The Antique Train
The antique train is a great attraction for young and adults. The ride takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of the Tramuntana, passing through orange plantations, olive groves and green valleys. The authentic feeling of the old marhogany cars bumping along the rails completes the experience.
Castell de Bellver
Castell de Bellver is a unique castle, due to its round shape and splendid location on a hilltop above Palma's bay. Much of Mallorca's most dramatic times are linked to the Bellver castle, and you will also find Palma's historical museum here. It's a great attraction for all ages.
Cuevas del Drach
Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) is a great attraction to visit for all ages. Inside the stalagmite and stalactite caves in Porto Cristo, you will meet a true wonder of nature, along with the biggest underground lake in Europe on which an orchester will play a beautiful live concert on before you can enjoy a short ride.
Santuari de Lluc
Santuari de Lluc is a monastery situated deep in the highest areas of the Tramuntana, in divine natural surroundings. Lluc is a great attraction for everyone, you can discover the ethnological museum, enjoy a concert by the famous child choir, visit the botanical gardens and see the holy Madonna.
La Granja
A visit to the ethnological museum of La Granja in the mountain village of Esporles takes you on an interesting journey back in time to discover how life in mallorca was for the wealthy landowners and their servants. La Granja is a museum suitable for all ages, there is plenty to see and do here for young and adults.
Sa Dragonera
Sa Dragonera is an island and protected nature reserve just off the coast of Sant Elm, Andratx. Sa Dragonera is home to indigenious lizards that are very human-friendly, and has become a trademark of Mallorca. About on the beautiful island, you can walk along multiple trails to some of the most amazing vantage points and find ancient watchtowers from the time of pirates.
Almudaina Palace
The royal Almudaina Palace is closely linked to multiple epochs in the history of Mallorca. The ancient palace was built as the seat for the Moorish governor back in the 10th century, and was the first building in the city of Palma as we know it today. Inside you will discover an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and artworks, along with the authentic surroundings of the palace that is now used by the royalties of Spain when visiting the island.