Santuari de la Sang

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The church was originally built on the site of a mosque following the 1229 conquest.

2. 2

   The Christ of the Blood sculpture is famously carried through the streets of Palma every Maundy Thursday in the island's most attended procession.

3. 3

   The interior layout consists of a single wide nave, a common architectural feature in Mallorcan Gothic and Renaissance churches to accommodate large crowds.

4. 4

   The church facade underwent significant modifications in the 17th and 18th centuries, resulting in its current Mannerist appearance.

5. 5

   It is technically the parish church of the 'Anunciació de Maria', though locally it is almost exclusively referred to by the sanctuary name.

6. 6

   The sanctuary contains several notable side chapels containing altarpieces from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Overview

The Santuari de la Sang, also known as the Església de l'Anunciació, is historically significant as the oldest parish church in Palma, founded immediately after the Christian conquest of Mallorca in 1229. The site houses the highly venerated image of the Christ of the Blood, a 16th-century sculpture central to the city's Holy Week traditions. The current building dates primarily to the 16th century, replacing earlier structures with a design featuring a single nave covered by a barrel vault. Its interior showcases Renaissance architecture and Baroque ornamentation, reflecting the evolution of Mallorcan religious art. The sanctuary serves as the headquarters for the Brotherhood of the Holy Blood, which organizes the most prominent religious procession in Palma. The adjacent Hospital de la Sang, though historical, is distinct from the church structure itself.

Insider tips

• Visit during the week to avoid the busier weekend services.

• Check the local diocesan calendar for Maundy Thursday if you wish to witness the historical procession.

• The church is located in a quiet area; maintain a respectful volume as it remains an active place of worship.