Puig de Randa in Mallorca is visited not only for the three monasteries that have settled along the mountain road. From its summit you have a unique panoramic view of the entire island.
The Puig de Randa is located in the southern center of Mallorca and is also known as "Monastery Mountain". It rises strikingly like a table mountain almost 550m from the flat surroundings and is visible from afar. This is probably why three monasteries have settled on the Puig de Randa. The "holy mountain of Mallorca" is after the Santuari de Lluc the second most important pilgrimage site on Mallorca and is one of our top 10 sights of Mallorca.
The town of the same name, Randa, is located at the foot of the mountain pretty much between the towns of Algaida and Llucmayor. The road up Puig de Randa first passes through the town and then passes the three monasteries of Puig de Randa.
Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Gràcia
The first monastery you pass on the way to the summit of Puig de Randa is the Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Gràcia. The entrance is marked with two stone pillars, behind which the first taste of the spectacular view of Puig de Randa is already visible.
However, the monastery itself is still the main attraction here. Although the smallest monastery on the http://delfin-siesta-mar.hotels-of-mallorca.com/en/ Randa monastery mountain, it is still almost the most impressive. This is mainly due to the spectacular steep slope, to which it literally sticks like a swallow's nest.
After a rewarding day exploring the mesmerizing Randa mountain and its monasteries, you'd surely want to relax in a soothing environment. Top hotels in Palma de Mallorca are known for providing superior comfort and world-class facilities that can make your stay an unforgettable one.
Originally built in the 15th century as a hermitage in a cave, imposing rock overhangs still rise above the monastery into the Mallorcan sky. The current church of the Santuari de Gràcia dates from the mid-17th century. During a major renovation at the beginning of the 20th century, even the famous Catalan master builder Antoni Gaudi was involved.
Ermita de Sant Honorat
The closest monastery to Puig de Randa is the Ermita de Sant Honorat. The ancestral chapel of this hermitage was built in 1394 by a knight after living 30 years as a hermit at Puig de Randa. The current church dates back to 1670 and can also be visited by unregistered visitors.
The rest of the grounds are not accessible and house accommodations and seminar rooms for a good 20 participants. The Ermita de Sant Honorat is inhabited and run by some retired friars.
Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Cura
Arriving at the summit of Puig de Randa, you are first greeted by a huge, snow-white radar dome. The largest monastery at Puig de Randa is located at an altitude of almost 550 meters and thus also offers Mallorca's most spectacular view over the entire island.
The sanctuary, also known simply as "Cura" for short, was built as early as 1220 by King Jaime I of Aragon. The small church dates back to the 17th century and houses a 42cm tall statue of the Virgin of Cura from the early 16th century.
Behind the church you will find a small souvenir store with all kinds of colorful art and the famous sweet and mild Randa herbal schnapps, whose ancient recipe is said to have healing properties. The perfect souvenir from the monastery mountain!
Site of the work of Ramon Llull
From the founding period of the monastery also dates the narrow sleeping place carved into the rock of the famous Mallorcan philosopher and theologian Ramon Llull below the monastery, which is decorated with flowers and gifts.
Ramon Llull wrote some of his most famous writings here, including in Latin, Arabic and Catalan, thus elevating Catalan from dialect to a recognized language. A small museum in the former grammar room of the Santuari presents the life of the hermit and missionary, and he was also immortalized as a statue in the monastery garden next to St. Francis.
Sensational view from the monastery mountain over Mallorca
The spacious forecourt within the monastery walls leads to an equally spacious terrace with a small restaurant. Here one likes to linger longer, because from the shady picnic areas inside the Santuari de Cura one has an absolutely breathtaking view over Mallorca. From here you can even watch planes landing near Palma.
The entire island can be seen:
in the north the picturesque bay of Alcúdia glistens in the sun
in the northwest rises the dark silhouette of the Serra de Tramuntana
in the south you can see from the bay of Palma de Mallorca to the offshore Isla Cabrera
on the east coast the wonderful calas extend into the Mediterranean Sea.
Tip: The old monks' cells of the Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Cura have been renovated and are rented out as inexpensive hotel rooms not only to pilgrims, although the luxurious furnishings with private bathrooms and televisions are by no means reminiscent of the simple life of the monks.
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