Since the Christian reconquest of Majorca the monastery Lluc is the most important place of pilgrimage of the island. Surrounded by imposing mountain scenery, it lies in an idyllic valley of the Serra Tramuntana in 525 meters above sea level. As already the saint and alchemist Ramon Llull ascertained, the sanctum is at a force place where the oscillations of the geomagnetism are spread out strongest. The shamans of the megalithic time as well as the druids have left here remains of their sanctums and the first foundation of the monastery was realized by the order of the temple knights, which also a lot of evidences show.

History of the monastery

First-time mention got the chapel in Lluc in a historical document of 1268. According to the legend, a shepherd who still a child was called Lluc (in German Lukas) found about 1229 at the place of today's monastery a black Madonna. He brought her to the priest of the nearest chapel of Escorca. Overnight the Madonna's figure disappeared there, nevertheless and was discovered again at the old place of discovery. This recurred several times, until at last at the finding place of the Madonna's figure a chapel was built which formed the foundation-stone for the monastery. The chapel was finished around 1300 and was extended till 17th century to its today's splendor and size.

The cloister chapel was raised in 1962 by pope Johannes XXIII personally in the rank of a basilica. The cloister became a place of pilgrimage on account of the Madonna's figure and has remained it till this day. Really the place of pilgrimage is the symbol of the Majorcan identity endowment. Is also not to be forgotten in this connection that the Sanctuary de Lluc was one of the most important protective zones on the island during the nearly 40-year-old Franco dictatorship within which relatively safely own language and culture could be maintained. Cloister Lluc since 1891 is administered by the brothers of the congregation of the holy heart Jesus. They scoop from the tourism the means to the preservation of the structure and for her missionary activity in South America.

To the tradition and spirituality of Lluc belong the chants of the„ Bravest“ (a blue-white dressed boys choir), who sing daily a „Salvo“ in the basilica in front of the „Moreneta“ for the island, its inhabitants and visitors. Since 1532 this choir exists which belongs to a convent school/boarding school - one of the best education addresses on the island.

Places of interest

The Madonna in Lluc is one of only three "black Madonnas" in Spain, which is why she is especially revered. She is freely accessible in the monastery in a devotion space behind the chapel and is visited and adored actively from pilgrims and visitors. The Madonna is called by the Mallorquinians "Sa of Morenita" (also the small black).

It belongs to the tradition of every Mallorquinian to visit the Madonna regularly. The basilica stands on a profoundly religious site, after all prehistoric burial chambers from the 4th century B.C. were already found there. Its interior testifies its supernatural splendor: Surrounded by three side chapels the high altar juts out, on the left side paintings of the saints Francis and Sebastian are resplendent, on the right saint Catalina Tomás and Teresa de Jesus’ are perpetuated in oil. The passages between the ceiling, the altar and the chapels seem to be fluent. For art enthusiasts the monastery accommodates a museum. Here you can look at malloquininian art craft and archaeological findings.

In 1952 it was opened and shows in five halls relics from the prehistory, religious figures, Balearic national costumes, ceramics, painting and the picture collection of the Catalan painter Coll Bardolet. The monastery garden equipped with a teaching path is a true and worth seeing jewel.

Also the ascent on the Calvary above the wide stairs is worth a recollection. You have from above a view over the valley with its fields and plantations and of course over the roofs of the monastery.

Lodging and catering

Next to the approx. 50 monastery pupil’s guests, mainly visitor groups but also pilgrims, wanderer and seminar its find in the monastery comfortable lodging and very good catering.

The practical rooms are equipped with baths. In the apartments are kitchenettes.

In addition in the lively monastery complex are several restaurants, shopping possibilities for food and souvenirs, a postal branch and a bank branch, a drugstore; as well as varied possibilities for individual picnics and barbecues.

Temporary living within the house of the spirituality of the congregation is possible after concrete arrangements.

All visitors have the possibility to take part in the regularly spiritual life and the services in the basilica.

From the monastery two public bus lines consist: one to Soller and one to Inca.

Rates 2010 - Price per Room:

Minimum stay: 3 nights

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A Rental Car is necessary!

Best holiday season: All-year destination

Conditions of entry: German citizens need a valid identity card or passport. For citizens of other countries pls. check the responsible consulate in your country.

Vaccination regulations: No vaccinations are prescribed. Please take your European health insurance card with you (EHIC, available at your German health insurance). We recommend the completion of an additional health insurance for a journey abroad.