Santuari del Puig de Maria, Pollenca

Monastery in Pollenca

Santuari de la Mare de Deu del Puig de Bellver

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Enfo

The Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo is one of the top attractions in Pollensa for travellers who love a blend of history, architecture, and living culture. Built between 1588 and 1616, this former Dominican convent stands just a short stroll from the town’s central square, with its creamy stone façades and calm interior courtyard offering a cool retreat from the busy streets outside. The star of the complex is the Baroque cloister, whose four arched walkways frame a peaceful garden and create a setting that feels tailor-made for music and contemplation.

Today, Sant Domingo is far from a silent relic. Every summer, the cloister becomes the atmospheric stage for Pollenca's Classical Music Festival, with July and August evenings filled with orchestras, chamber groups, and soloists performing under the stars. The convent also hosts the Pollença Arts and Crafts Fair in November and the Wine Fair in late April or early May, turning its historic arcades into a lively showcase of local creativity and flavours that is a highlight of any walking tour of Pollensa.

History and Significance of the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo
Things to See and Do in the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo
How to Get to the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo
Practical Tips on Visiting the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo
Where to Stay close to the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo
Is the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo
Nearby Attractions to the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo

History and Significance of the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo

The Convent of Sant Domingo was founded at the end of the 16th century, when Dominican friars established a community on the edge of Pollensa's old town. Construction of the convent and church took place between 1588 and 1616, a period when religious orders played a vital role in education, preaching, and local charity. The complex was designed to provide both a contemplative environment for the friars and a public face towards the town, with the cloister at its heart acting as a physical and spiritual centre.

Architecturally, the cloister is a fine example of Baroque Mallorca. Its four sides are lined with elegant arches resting on sturdy columns, creating an enclosed courtyard that is both harmonious and practical. The regular rhythm of the arcades and the way light moves across the stone give the space a timeless quality, while the surrounding buildings remind visitors of the convent’s former daily routines of prayer, study, and work. This careful design has made the cloister one of the most admired historic spaces in Pollensa.

Over time, as religious life changed and the convent’s original monastic function declined, the complex was gradually repurposed. Rather than letting it fall into disuse, the town embraced Sant Domingo as a cultural hub, hosting concerts, fairs, and exhibitions that breathe new life into its historic walls. The creation of Pollenca’s Classical Music Festival in 1962 anchored this transformation, turning the cloister into an internationally recognised venue and ensuring the ongoing preservation of the convent as a living part of the town’s identity.

Things to See and Do in the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo

The main experience at Sant Domingo is simply spending time in the cloister itself. As you step into the courtyard, the noise of the town fades and you are surrounded by arcades on all four sides, their arches framing views of the sky and the central garden. Stroll slowly along each walkway, noticing the details of the stonework, the play of light and shadow, and how the cloister connects to the convent buildings around it. At quiet times of day, it is an ideal place to sit and soak up the atmosphere.

If you visit in July or August, try to time your stay with one of the Classical Music Festival concerts. Hearing live music in this setting is an unforgettable experience, with the cloister’s geometry and stone surfaces creating warm, resonant acoustics. Outside of summer, check whether your dates coincide with the Arts and Crafts Fair in November or the Wine Fair in late April or early May, when the cloister fills with stalls, local artisans, and winemakers, and the air buzzes with conversation and tasting glasses.

Inside the convent complex you will also find the Museum of Pollença, which adds another layer to the visit. Its displays include prehistoric bull-like sculptures that point to the island’s very ancient past, contemporary art, and pieces by Atilio Boveri, as well as a striking mandala (Tibetan sand painting) gifted by the Dalai Lama in 1990. Just outside, the Joan March gardens offer a pleasant green space for a short stroll, complete with a 17th-century tower that underlines the area’s long history of watchfulness and defence.

How to Get to the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo

Most visitors reach Pollensa via Palma de Mallorca, with Palma de Mallorca Airport serving numerous flights from across Europe and beyond. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Pollenca on Booking.com. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a combination of bus services to travel to the north of the island.

There is no direct train on Mallorca itself, so if you are coming from mainland Spain by rail you will travel first to cities such as Barcelona or Valencia and then transfer to a ferry or flight to reach the island.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Once in Palma, public buses link the capital with Pollensa and Port de Pollença, making it possible to visit Sant Domingo without driving.

Travelling by car offers the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore other parts of northern Mallorca as well.If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. From Palma, main roads and highways lead towards Alcúdia and Pollensa; once you arrive in Pollensa, you can park near the historic centre and reach the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo on foot in just a few minutes, following signs or a map through the old streets.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo

Suggested tips: Check the current programme of concerts, fairs, and exhibitions before you go so you can match your visit to an event that interests you.
Best time to visit: Evenings in July and August are particularly special during the Classical Music Festival; spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for combining the cloister with walks around Pollensa.
Entrance fee: Expect a modest fee or free entry for the museum and cloister.
Opening hours: Opening times vary by season and event schedule.
How long to spend: Allow 1 to 2 hours to explore the cloister, museum, and nearby Joan March gardens, longer if you attend a concert or fair.
Accessibility: Access to the cloister is generally level, but some parts of the convent and museum may involve steps or uneven surfaces; check for current accessibility arrangements if needed.
Facilities: Basic facilities such as toilets and ticketing are available on site or nearby; cafés, shops, and restaurants are within a short walk in the town centre.
Photography tip: Visit during quieter times or just before golden hour to capture the cloister arches with soft light and long shadows across the courtyard.
Guided tours: Look out for guided visits or festival-related talks that provide more context on the convent’s history, architecture, and role in Pollensa’s cultural life.
Nearby food options: Use the convent as a starting or finishing point for a meal in Pollensa’s old town, where tapas bars and cafés cluster around the main square and side streets.

Where to Stay close to the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo

Staying in central Pollensa makes it easy to wander over to Sant Domingo for a daytime visit or an evening concert without worrying about driving or parking after dark. A characterful option close to the historic core is Jumele Boutique Hotel, which puts you within a short walk of the convent and the main square. For a townhouse-style stay that blends local charm with comfort, Son Sant Jordi offers rooms spread across traditional buildings near the heart of town. If you prefer to stay by the sea but still want straightforward access to Pollensa and Sant Domingo, Hotel Illa d Or in nearby Port de Pollença provides a classic waterfront base just a short drive away.

Is the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo Worth Visiting

The Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo is very much worth visiting, whether you are drawn by historic architecture, intimate music venues, or lively local events. The Baroque cloister alone would justify a visit, but when you add the Classical Music Festival, arts and crafts fair, wine fair, and the small but intriguing Museum of Pollença, the complex becomes a rich cultural stop that deepens your experience of the town. For many travellers, it is one of those places that lingers in the memory long after the trip, thanks to its mix of serenity, stone, and sound.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (386)

Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Puig in 07460 Pollença sits atop a wooded hill and is reached by a mix of tarmac, uneven cobbles and old stone steps that make the final stretch steep and challenging; visitors praise the rewarding panoramic views and bench seating at the summit, note the sanctuary building is largely derelict or often closed, and report basic facilities like toilets and a small coffee shop when open.

Justin Harris

4 months ago

"A challenging trek to the top but worth it for the views. The hardest part was the last 15 minutes going up and first part coming down as it is theold stone steps. These are very uneven and harder to walk on. The rest is a smooth road/path. Amazing views, when I went it was early morning to avoid the heat, so it was closed. Most of the building is sadly derelict. There are some benches there to sit at...."

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Sam Carroll

2 years ago

"If anyone is in the town of Pollença or nearby and feeling fit enough, then I would recommend a trip up here. The monastery was closed which wasdisappointing, however it is a lovely walk to the top and a real achievement once we got there! The trail starts off as tarmac but around 2/3 of the way through changes to cobbles (which are very uneven, I have added a picture) and then to a gravelly, dirty type track. For our family the walk overall was fine- we only brought one bottle of water which wasn’t really enough for 3 of us but that just added to the challenge! At the top there isn’t really a lot to do- the building is nice and it’s nice architecture. As I said, if you already plan on visiting Pollenca and would like to drench your t shirt with sweat, feel accomplished and get 300m closer to God then I’d say go for it, wouldn’t necessarily recommend trekking just for this though- or at least not until the monastery is open!..."

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Peter Cooling

a year ago

"A wonderful challenging climb, once by mountain bike latterly by e-bike but still the last 1/3rd dismount & heavy push. Sadly the monastery was nolonger open & missed the previous simple but excellent meal of bread cheese olives & wine...."

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FAQs for Visiting Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo

The convent is just a few minutes walk from Pollensa’s main square in the historic centre, easily reached on foot via the town’s narrow streets.

For the Classical Music Festival and other major events, it is strongly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially in peak summer, as seating can be limited.

Yes, outside of performance or fair times the cloister and museum are generally open to visitors during posted hours, allowing you to explore the architecture in a quieter atmosphere.

The museum is accessible and interesting even if you are not an art or archaeology expert, thanks to its varied mix of prehistoric pieces, contemporary works, and the striking Tibetan mandala.

Arriving 20 to 30 minutes before the start time usually allows you to find your seat, settle in, and enjoy the cloister ambiance before the music begins.

Photography rules can change depending on the performance or exhibition, so it is best to check on site; often, photos are restricted during concerts to avoid disturbing musicians and other audience members.

Nearby Attractions to the Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo

Pollensa old town: A charming network of stone streets, a lively main square, and historic houses that make a perfect backdrop for wandering before or after visiting the convent.
Pont Roma: A remarkably preserved Roman bridge on the edge of Pollensa that offers a direct link to the island's ancient past.
Calvari steps: A long stairway leading to a hilltop chapel with panoramic views over Pollensa and the surrounding countryside.
Port de Pollença: A relaxed seaside resort with a long promenade, cafés, and beaches, just a short drive from the town.
Roman city of Pol-lentia in Alcúdia: Archaeological remains of the Roman capital of Mallorca, adding another layer of history within easy reach of Pollensa.

The Santuari del Puig de Maria appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Pollenca!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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