Pilgrimage to the sanctuary of Sant Salvador de Felanitx

The origin of this pilgrimage can be traced back to the celebration of the anniversary of the pontifical coronation of Our Lady of Sant Salvador, on 8 September 1934, by Bishop Miralles, a festival attended by a veritable generation of people from all over Mallorca.

The path that goes up to the sanctuary of Sant Salvador (478m) from the town of Felanitx (170m) takes about 45 minutes on foot from the stone cross that we find at km 1.5 of the road that connects Felanitx with Portocolom (Ma-4010). We can follow the red paint marks and pass by a small neo-Romanesque oratory, also dedicated to the Virgin of Sant Salvador. The last part of the path constitutes a Way of the Cross with twelve chapels that have ceramic tiles with as many images of the passion of Christ.

Mass and recreational events on the esplanade.

The sanctuary of Sant Salvador de Felanitx (Son Salvador, in the local language) is one of the most outstanding in Mallorca. It is located at the top of the hill of the same name and offers splendid views over the Pla and the Levante of the island. The first chapel was founded there in 1348, probably with the intention of asking for protection against the Black Death. Initially, it was dedicated to the Savior; in fact, the magnificent Gothic sandstone altarpiece of the Passio imaginis (‘image of the passion’), made by Guillem Sagrera in the fifteenth century and dedicated to the Christ of Berit (‘Beirut’), is still preserved. Currently, behind the main altar, there is a Baroque altarpiece dedicated to the Virgin of Sant Salavador. This Marian invocation has its origin in the tradition of a Virgin Mary found by a shepherd. The inn is from the eighteenth century; in the nineteenth century, there was a community of hermits and it has recently been restored and modernized.

Worth visiting is the Creu del Picot (1957), 14m high, erected on the rock of Puig des Milà (478m). It is a 15-minute walk from the sanctuary and is an exceptional viewpoint.

Joys to the Virgin of Sant Salvador de Felanitx,

that are sung in Cas Concos des Cavaller

Lyrics by Mn. Joan Roig i Montserrat (1940)

 

Sacred source of harmony,

torrent of light:

has blossomed for you Mary,

the splendor of the Savior.

 

At the top of the mountain

crowned joy and desire,

faithful companion

root love of Felanitx.

By Cas Concos, lighthouse that guides

towards calm port…

 

Lofty milestone of hope,

sovereign of the morning.

Binifarda for You dances,

and the Castle comes as a pilgrim.

The suburbs have been enriched

for your donor heart… […]

 

The whole Port is mirrored to you

and the coves drink light,

and in the hearts a laugh

makes your perfume clear,

Crops courtesy

they all sing to you…

 

As soon as the parents return

to get the children up,

and the nights become clear

with the song of the hermits.

Listen to who on the last day

invoke you in pain…

 

Sacred source of harmony,

torrent of light:

has blossomed for you Mary,

the splendor of the Savior.