Manacor: Culture, Markets and the Vía Verde

Culture and architectural history in Manacor

The church of Nostra Senyora dels Dolors is a Neo-Gothic, single-nave basilica with chapels between the buttresses. “Single-nave” describes a floor plan with one main nave; the chapels are located at the sides, between the buttresses. The church’s bell tower is called Torre Rubí and is the tallest building in the city of Manacor. Together, these features give a clear impression of the architecture of this religious building.

In the centre is Sa Bassa square, surrounded by historic buildings dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Another historic site is Torre del Palau: it is the only surviving part of Manacor’s former royal palace, which Jaume II had built in the 14th century. Torre del Palau houses a permanent exhibition about the building’s history, its previous study, and its renovation and restoration. Check the current exhibition before visiting.

Torre de ses Puntes is also part of Manacor’s architectural history. What remains is the tower house of a fortified complex and rural manor dating from the 13th or 14th century. The chapel of Sant Vicenç Ferrer church features a richly carved example of Baroque religious art. The buildings therefore represent different periods and aspects, from the Neo-Gothic basilica and former royal palace to the historic tower house.

Vía Verde and the Rafa Nadal Museum

The 29-kilometre Vía Verde Manacor-Artà starts in Manacor and follows the route of the former railway line that connected Manacor and Artà. It is suitable for hikers and cyclists of all ability levels. Its length and former railway route give the trail a clear identity as an active option alongside the city’s cultural sites.

The Rafa Nadal Museum is located in the Rafa Nadal Academy complex in Manacor. An admission ticket includes insights into Rafael Nadal’s sporting career, major trophies he has won, and interactive sports experiences. This makes the visit thematically distinct from the churches and historic buildings: the focus here is on sport and interactive experiences.

Markets and planning your week

The weekly market takes place at Plaça Ramon Llull on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A fruit and vegetable market is also held at Plaça de la Constitució on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; it also takes place there from Tuesday to Saturday at the same times. The two markets overlap on Mondays, while the market at Plaça de la Constitució is held on additional days of the week. As market times may change, check the current schedule before your visit.

Son Peretó nearby

Near Manacor is Son Peretó, a liturgical archaeological site from Late Antiquity, dating from the 5th to 7th centuries. Its features include a basilica, adjoining rooms and a necropolis. The site has a sign by the road and information panels in four languages for a self-guided visit. Check the visiting conditions before setting off. Son Peretó adds an archaeological focus and a much earlier period to Manacor’s architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Cala Morlanda, Son Macià, Cales De Mallorca, Cala Murada, Cala Romantica, Porto Cristo, Felanitx, Mancor De La Vall.

For the main travel overview: Mallorca.