The historical heritage of eastern Mallorca is one of the island’s great cultural treasures. Medieval castles, monumental churches, and deeply rooted traditions paint a picture where history is part of everyday life.
To travel through Mallorca’s Llevant region is to journey through centuries of history, from ancient defensive fortresses to temples that remain the social heart of their villages.
What’s more, many of these places can easily be combined with other experiences: hiking trails, walks through historic centers, local markets, or natural viewpoints, making a cultural visit a complete and enriching experience.
For more information on other notable sites, you can consult this page on the historical heritage of eastern Mallorca.
From the Christian conquest to the present day: the evolution of the historical heritage of eastern Mallorca
The Christian conquest of Mallorca in 1229, under the reign of Jaume I, marked the beginning of a profound transformation of the historical heritage of eastern Mallorca. From that moment on, the territory was reorganized and parish churches, castles, and defensive towers began to be built, which still define the landscape of Llevant today.
During the Middle Ages, the castles of eastern Mallorca played a key role in coastal defense and control of the territory, while churches became the social and religious center of the villages. Over time, many temples were enlarged or renovated between the 17th and 19th centuries, incorporating new architectural styles.
Today, this historical legacy is preserved and promoted through cultural tourism, allowing visitors to discover churches, castles, and traditions that connect the past with the present life of eastern Mallorca.
Castles in eastern Mallorca
Eastern Mallorca was historically a strategic area due to its proximity to the coast and its exposure to maritime attacks. We recommend visiting these castles in eastern Mallorca on your next visit:
Capdepera Castle
Located high above the municipality of Capdepera, this 14th-century medieval castle was built during the reign of Jaume II to protect the area from pirate attacks and control the northeast coast of Mallorca.
From its walls, you can enjoy privileged views of the coastline and, on clear days, even Menorca.
- Location: Carrer Castell, s/n, 07580 Capdepera, Balearic Islands
- Access: Easy, on foot from the town center
- Opening hours: Vary depending on the season (usually from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Sunday)
While visiting this castle in eastern Mallorca, we recommend taking a stroll through the old town of Capdepera or visiting the medieval market.
Santueri Castle (Felanitx)
Santueri Castle is one of the most spectacular rock fortresses in Mallorca. Located on a promontory in the municipality of Felanitx, its origins date back to the Islamic period, although it was reinforced after the Christian conquest.
Its strategic location offers an exceptional panoramic view of the southeast of the island, making it one of the most impressive castles in eastern Mallorca.
- Location: Camí des Castell, 07208 Felanitx, Balearic Islands
- Access: By road and final stretch on foot
- Opening hours: Free access to the exterior. Interior temporarily closed. Please inquire.
Take advantage of the spectacular location for a hiking route or visit to wineries and villages in the Pla de Mallorca!
Castell de sa Punta de n’Amer (Sant Llorenç des Cardassar)
This 17th-century defensive fortification is located within the protected natural area of Punta de n’Amer, between Sa Coma and Cala Millor. It was built to guard the coast against maritime incursions and is one of the most recommended stops in the area.
- Location: 07560 Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, Balearic Islands
- Access: On foot or by bicycle along marked trails
- Opening hours: Free outdoor access
If you visit this beautiful Mallorcan castle, we recommend completing the experience with a coastal walk or enjoying the beach at Sa Coma.
Churches in eastern Mallorca
Alongside the construction of castles, churches became the social and spiritual center of towns, shaping urban development and community life. Today, these buildings are an essential part of the historical heritage of eastern Mallorca and its cultural routes.
Iglesia Nueva Son Servera
One of the most impressive churches in eastern Mallorca.
The New Church of Son Servera, or Església Nova, is one of the favorite churches in eastern Mallorca for tourism: an unfinished neo-Gothic temple located in the center of Son Servera. Its construction began in 1905 under the direction of architect Joan Rubió Bellver (1870-1952), a disciple of the famous modernist architect Antoni Gaudí, a symbol of the historical and cultural heritage of eastern Mallorca.
Today, this church serves as a venue for outdoor cultural events, such as concerts, exhibitions, and celebrations, taking advantage of its open-air character and unique architectural aesthetics.
If you visit the island, you cannot miss this stop, whether you are religious or not, as it is one of the most unique and photogenic churches in eastern Mallorca.
- Location: Carrer de ses Creus, 4, 07550 Son Servera, Balearic Islands
Parròquia de Sant Joan Baptista (Son Servera)
Thanks to this church in eastern Mallorca, tourism and faith come together in the center of Son Servera. It dates back to 1622, when it was built incorporating the remains of an ancient defensive tower that is still part of the bell tower.
Architecturally, the church of San Juan Bautista combines Gothic and Baroque elements and has a single nave with side chapels, typical of rural Mallorcan churches. This temple is dedicated to San Juan Bautista, patron saint of the town, and remains an active center of worship within the historical heritage of eastern Mallorca.
- Location: Plaça de Sant Joan, 20, 07550 Son Servera, Balearic Islands
Church of Mare de Déu dels Dolors (Manacor)
The Parish Church of Mare de Déu dels Dolors, known locally as l’Església Gran, in Manacor is one of the most emblematic churches in the municipality and a visible landmark due to its 75-meter-high bell tower, the tallest in Mallorca.
Its construction began at the end of the 19th century and lasted several decades. Designed in the Neo-Gothic style, it has a Latin cross plan and numerous side chapels.
- Location: Plaça del Rector Rubí, 07500 Manacor, Balearic Islands
Santuari de Sant Salvador (Artá)
The Santuari de Sant Salvador in Artà is one of the most emblematic historical and spiritual sites in eastern Mallorca. The best thing about it is the panoramic views over the Mallorcan Llevant, the Serra de Llevant and part of the eastern coast.
The sanctuary dates back to the Middle Ages. Traditionally, this place has been a site of pilgrimage and popular devotion, closely linked to the cultural identity of the municipality.
The church can be accessed by car or on foot from the center of Artà, via a historic cobbled path.
- Location: 07570 Artà, Balearic Islands
Betlem Hermitage (Artà)
The Betlem Hermitage is one of the most unique and authentic sites of historical and religious heritage in eastern Mallorca. Located in the heart of the Serra de Llevant, within the current Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant, the hermitage was founded in the early 19th century as a retreat for hermit monks.
Access is via forest tracks and hiking trails, so we recommend taking the opportunity to enjoy a good walk in the area.
- Location: Lloc Poligon 5, 48, 07579 Artà, Balearic Islands
Accessibility and practical advice
- Most churches in eastern Mallorca are located in historic centers and can be reached on foot from the town center.
- Castles usually involve cobbled sections or trails, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
- In summer, it is advisable to visit castles and open areas early in the morning or at sunset.
- When visiting churches, it is important to respect worship times and dress appropriately.
Discover eastern Mallorca through its history
Exploring the castles of eastern Mallorca, visiting the most emblematic churches, and learning about its traditions is a unique way to understand the island from within.
However, the historical heritage of eastern Mallorca is not limited to castles and churches. Beyond the great monuments, the history of the territory is also preserved in everyday elements that form part of the landscape and local life. Historic centers, cobbled streets, traditional squares, and old stately homes reflect the urban evolution of the towns of Llevant over the centuries.
Likewise, popular traditions, patron saint festivals, weekly markets, and religious celebrations continue to pass on customs inherited from generation to generation. Traditional crafts, local cuisine, and ways of life linked to the countryside and the sea complete this cultural legacy.
Exploring eastern Mallorca from this perspective allows us to understand that its historical heritage is a living entity, where monuments, traditions, and landscape complement each other to offer an authentic and profound experience of the territory.