Walled area of Sant Salvador

Walled area of Sant Salvador: Foto 1

The walled area of Sant Salvador is situated at the top of the mountain of same name, at 182 meters above sea level. Within its walled grounds there is the Sant Salvador Sanctuary built in the XIX century over the old chapel that was demolished, after being used as a lazaretto and hospital during the outbreak of bubonic plague in 1820.

In the chapel there is a figure of the Virgin Mary that was moved to the sanctuary from the church of Bellpuig in the XV century. This polychrome wood carving was restored in 1952.

Inside the fortified area there is the house of the "Donat" (the person responsible for the Sanctuary) and two cisterns.

The fortified area is also known by the name of Almudaina (fortress), in memory of its role in the Moorish era, although some authors affirm that its origins go back to pre-Islamic times. As from the conquest of Mallorca by King James I (XIII century) the fortification continued its defensive role and was used as a refuge.

In the XVI century, when invasions of pirates and corsairs were very frequent, the walls and towers were largely rebuilt for better defence. The present aspect of the walls is the result of the restoration held in 1967.

The 180 stone steps that lead up to the Sanctuary begin at the Parish Church of Transfiguració. The visit to Sant Salvador is free and offers extraordinary views over the town and the municipality of Artà.

Letztes Update: 13/07/2004

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