Santanyí: Market, Churches and Local History

Market and the Heart of Santanyí

Plaça Major is the centre of Santanyí. The market and festivals take place in the square; it is also home to the parish church of Sant Andreu, next to the town hall and one of the two main buildings on the square. This combination makes Plaça Major a clear landmark when planning your stay around the market and local history. The market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year. It has more than 150 stalls in Plaça Major and the surrounding streets; the number may change over time. Stalls sell local produce, clothing and handmade items. Local produce sold at the market includes sobrassada, oil and wine. The weekly schedule is distinct from the festivals, which each fall on a specific date in the annual calendar.

Churches and Fortifications

The parish church of Sant Andreu was built from Santanyí stone. Construction began on 25 July 1786 and lasted 25 years. The church houses a monumental Baroque organ from the Dominican monastery in Palma. Two distinct features of the building stand out: the locally named stone and the organ’s origins.

El Roser is Santanyí’s former parish church. It was built in the first half of the 14th century in a transitional style between Romanesque and Gothic. During pirate raids, it regularly served as a refuge for the population and was therefore fortified. La Porta Murada is a gate tower in Santanyí’s 16th-century fortification walls.

The chronology is clear: El Roser was built in the first half of the 14th century, La Porta Murada dates from the 16th century, and construction of Sant Andreu began in 1786. This places the three buildings in different periods, rather than treating them as part of a single construction phase.

Art in the Narrow Streets

Santanyí’s narrow streets are home to several art galleries and art studios. The market, by contrast, takes place in Plaça Major and the surrounding streets. This comparison of locations brings out two distinct cultural hubs: the market in the central square, and the galleries and studios in the narrow streets.

Market Days and Festivals Throughout the Year

The recurring festival dates include several different occasions. Santanyí’s Sant Antoni festival takes place on 17 January. Traditional bonfires and barbecues are held on the eve, and animals are blessed. The Fira de Santanyí takes place on the third Saturday in October and has an agricultural, artisanal and industrial character. The Sant Andreu patron saint festival takes place on 30 November; it includes a solemn mass and numerous social and cultural activities during the festival week. The annual calendar runs from Sant Antoni in January through the Fira in October to the patron saint festival in November. If you are planning to travel for a particular festival, check the exact dates for the relevant event year before booking.

For planning your trip, there are several points to consider: the weekly market, buildings from different periods, and festivals with recurring calendar dates. Depending on what you would like to experience in Santanyí, the market, local history or a particular festival date may determine when you travel.

Discover more destinations: Cala Santanyi, Portopetro, Calonge, Es Llombards, S´amarador, S'alqueria Blanca, Cala D'or, Cala Figuera, Cala Llombards, Cap Des Moro.

For the main travel overview: Mallorca.