The Hermitage of Betlem

Today we are going to talk about a place full of peace and harmony, and with incredible views situated in the middle of a unique environment. Because it is not compulsory for your holidays in Mallorca to focus on sun and beach activities. On this island we have many more options!

It is a place that you can reach by car, to enjoy it directly, or if you’d like, you could make a hiking route, in which you fill your lungs with fresh air and surround yourself with the beauty of the path that will accompany you to the Hermitage of Betlem.

A contemplative walk

It is located in the Sierra Artanense (around Artà), in the lands of the old Muslim farmhouse of Binialgorfa. It was founded in 1805 by members of the Trinidad de Valldemossa and the hermit community of San Honorato de Randa.

They settled here thanks to the donation, by Jaume Morei, of a small piece of land that contained the remains of an old defence tower and an oil mill. The hermitage was inaugurated on May 10th, 1818, even though, throughout the nineteenth century, the whole construction was expanded, adding cells, kitchen, refectory and other dependencies. Among them, the church who was blessed in 1824 stands out, work of Joan Rosselló.

The access to the Ermita de Betlem is carried out by a wide path escorted by cypresses. The construction, however, is simple. On the main facade we find a sundial, a small window and a rose window. Inside the Hermitage, formed by a single nave, the vault stands out, which we discover decorated with a fresco of the Virgin’s coronation, the main altarpiece and, in addition, the seven paintings of Manuel Bayeu on the life of Christ.

Around the main building we can observe the remains of the old orchards, an era and areas that were destined to warehouses or livestock facilities, and that helped to make this religious community self-sufficient.

Among these elements, it is noticeable the fountain of na Bernadeta, which provided water to the hermitage and the water mill, (which was built in the nineteenth century, and which is located at about 50 meters away). In the fountain we see a rectangular trough, and on the right side a vault chapel with benches on its three sides and religious images inside.

Your route from Artà

To enjoy this happy and beautiful route you can do it from Artà, at the point of S’Alqueria Vella. From there, you take the Coll de Sa Truja truck, and the ride is very simple. If you need directions to get to Artà from Palma de Mallorca, you can ask the hotel staff during your stay.

And one more thing … on clear days, you can even see Menorca from the highest points of this route.

Photo credits: illesbalears.travel, artamalorca.travel, serradetramuntana.eu