The sanctuary was founded in 1348 following the arrival of the Black Death in Mallorca to serve as a refuge.
The defensive walls were significantly reinforced in the 15th century to protect the resident monks from frequent Barbary pirate incursions.
The site contains a rare 14th-century Gothic image of the Virgin Mary, which remains the central focus of the chapel.
The monastery is one of the few places in Mallorca that allows overnight stays in a historic cell, maintaining a tradition that dates back centuries.
Puig de Maria is a 14th-century hilltop sanctuary located atop a 330-meter peak in the Pollença municipality of Mallorca. The site features a Gothic-style chapel and a former monastery that has been adapted for simple overnight guest accommodations. Originally established as a nunnery in 1348 to provide sanctuary during the Black Death, it later became a monastery for hermits. The complex is enclosed by defensive walls constructed in the 15th century to protect against pirate raids. Visitors reach the summit via a steep, winding cobblestone path that takes approximately 45 minutes to hike. The site offers panoramic views of the Formentor peninsula, the Bay of Pollença, and the Tramuntana mountain range. Today, the monastery retains a functional kitchen, dining area, and basic dormitory-style lodging for pilgrims and hikers.
The stone terrace wall behind the monastery, which provides an unobstructed panoramic view of the bay and the northern coastline.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the path is steep, paved with uneven cobblestones, and can be slippery after rain.
Bring your own drinking water and snacks, as facilities at the top may have limited supplies depending on the season.
Check the weather before starting the hike, as the summit is fully exposed to wind and sun with minimal shade.
Attempting to drive up the narrow, restricted-access mountain road; park in the designated area at the base of the path instead.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor as it is a place of pilgrimage and historical significance; dress modestly when entering the chapel area.
