The Lluc Sanctuary is located in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana. For centuries it has been a great religious exponent of Mallorca and an outstanding meeting point for pilgrims and visitors thanks to its spiritual significance and the great beauty of its natural surroundings.
Come with us and discover what to do in Lluc:
The history of the monastery of Lluc
It is said that in the 13th century, a shepherd named Lluc discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary on a rock near a stream. He took it to the church in the village of Escorca and they decided to exhibit it in the small church. However, the next day the Virgin disappeared and was found again next to the small stream.
In view of this miracle, she was crowned Queen and Patron Saint of Mallorca by express concession of Pope Leo XIII. In the place where she was found, it was decided to build a small hermitage, which gradually evolved and expanded and ended up being known as the Santuari de Santa Maria de Lluc.
To this day, the Virgin of Lluc, also known as the Black Virgin or "La Moreneta", is still on display.
What to do in Lluc?
If you plan to visit Lluc with family, friends or alone, here are the main places you should visit if you want to live the full experience.
1. Visit the Lluc Sanctuary:
Immerse yourself in the deep spirituality and architectural beauty of the place. When visiting the sanctuary, take time to admire the impressive structure of the complex, which reflects centuries of devotion and art. Begin your tour in the Basilica, the spiritual heart of the sanctuary, where you can contemplate the venerated image of the Virgin of Lluc. This image is the centre of deep religious devotion and attracts pilgrims from all over the world.
While you are in the Basilica, pay attention to the stained glass windows, sacred artworks and liturgical ornaments that tell the story of the island's faith and culture over the centuries.
Don't limit yourself to just the Basilica; the sanctuary has several nooks and crannies worth exploring. Stroll through the tranquil gardens and courtyards that offer moments of reflection and serene views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.
2.The Lluc museum:
Visiting the Lluc Sanctuary Museum offers you a unique opportunity to delve into the art, history and spirituality of Mallorca through its impressive collection. This museum is a treasure trove within the sanctuary complex, housing a diversity of works ranging from religious art to significant archaeological finds.
The museum exhibits a variety of religious art including sculptures, paintings and liturgical objects dating from different periods. These pieces are not only testimonies to the faith and devotion of past generations but also examples of the talent and dedication of the artists who created them.
The archaeological sections of the museum offer a window into Mallorca's prehistoric and Roman past, with artefacts that tell stories of the civilisations that once inhabited the island. This archaeological collection provides a fascinating context for how culture and society have evolved in Mallorca over the millennia.
3.The Botanical Garden:
To visit the Botanical Garden near the Lluc Sanctuary is to immerse yourself in an oasis of tranquillity and natural beauty, offering a serene contrast to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the sanctuary.
Although modest in size, this botanical garden is a capsule of the biological diversity of the Serra de Tramuntana, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, not only for its cultural value but also for its exceptional landscape and biodiversity.the botanical garden is dedicated to the conservation and exhibition of endemic plants adapted to the specific conditions of the Serra de Tramuntana.
Strolling along its well-kept paths, you will come across a fascinating collection of plant species, some of which are rare or endangered. This is a unique opportunity to appreciate the ecological richness of the region and to understand the importance of conserving these natural habitats.
The Natural Environments of Lluc
To explore the natural surroundings of Lluc is to enter a world of unparalleled natural beauty, capturing the essence of Mallorca's biodiversity and majestic landscape. This environment offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature through its trails, which wind through mountains, forests and valleys, providing some of the most spectacular hiking experiences on the island.
To walk the trails around the Lluc Sanctuary is to immerse yourself in a landscape where every step reveals new panoramic views, from imposing mountain peaks to serene valleys, stretching to the horizon. These routes are designed not only to challenge the hiker but also to delight the senses, with the scent of pine trees and the sound of endemic birds accompanying you on your way.
One recommended activity is "Lluc a Pie", an initiative that invites both locals and visitors to discover the natural and cultural wealth of the area through guided walks. Taking part in "Lluc a Pie" is an excellent way to learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as the history and traditions surrounding this sacred site.
Nestled in Mallorca's Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, Lluc is a place of deep spiritual significance and natural beauty.
In addition to the sanctuary, you can explore a museum filled with religious art and archaeological finds, a botanical garden showcasing the endemic flora of the Tramuntana, and the majestic natural landscapes through trails that offer panoramic views and rich biodiversity.
This destination promises not only a spiritual journey but also an immersion in Mallorcan nature and culture.