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Petra, Mallorca, Things to do and see, hotels, market
Petra is in many ways the epitome of a pastoral village, as there are only a few places in Mallorca that are so marked by religious tales. It was here in Petra that famous lay brother and preacher Junipero Serra came from, before going to America and losing his life during a mission. He was later canonized in Washington. Several of the area’s sights are also connected to the story of this child of the village, whom has become synonymous with Petra.
But Petra is also an incredibly charming little village, so whether you appreciate the many stories or not, you should still take a trip to Petra, where you can look forward to an always wonderful atmosphere on the village’s central square, the annual parties as well as one of the area’s best eateries.
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Why visit Petra
Is Petra worth visiting?
Petra boasts pastoral charm that is present everywhere in the narrow streets of the small village. While you can hear a flea move in the small streets, the central square is an absolute contrast. Here, a handful of bars keep the village alive all day long.
Petra is home to one of the best restaurants in the area, Es Celler, where you’ll find traditional Mallorcan cuisine in very authentic settings.
Outside the village, on a mountaintop, you will find the church and monastery of Bonany, atranquil place offering divine panoramic views of the entire plain of Mallorca.
So, is Petra worth a visit? Yes.
Things to do in Petra
Petra is a great area for sightseeing, cultural experiences and physical activities. Many of the sights here are related to famous lay brother Juniperó Serra, who is canonized in Washington. The beautiful and peaceful countryside makes Petra attractive to walkers and cyclists, who can look forward to a number of challenges and picturesque places.
VISIT THE SANCTUARY OF BONANY
Enjoy a scenic and beautiful excursion to the hilltop sanctuary of Bonany in 313 meters, from where you can admire the panoramic views of the Pla region, you can even see all the way to the bay of Alcúdia. The church and hermitage is emblematic for the entire area, for many years it was used as a place of veneration of gods by peasants who came to pray for rain. If you brought your hiking shoes you can make the way via the pilgrimage path.
HOUSE MUSEUM AND BIRTHPLACE OF JUNIPERO SERRA
If any name is synonymous with Petra, it is Junipero Serra, the famous Franciscan fray and missionary who was killed and later canonized in America. In the museum, you can explore a range of personal items, furniture from that time and scripts written by him. This is a unique insight in the life of the perhaps most famous Mallorcan ever.
ENJOY A MEAL AT ES CELLER
Es Celler is probably one of the best eateries in Petra, and in the surrounding area. This is a popular place for the local families to have their Sunday lunch, and it is not unusual to wait for half an hour to be seated here. But believe me, it is worth it!
PAROCHIAL CHURCH OF SANT PERE
This imposing Gothic construction with Renaissance attributes is not only the crown of the town, but also a real life evidence of how wealthy an area Petra was during the Middle Ages. The enormous dimensions of the church and the fascinating artworks and altarpieces inside witness of a big and dedicated congregation. This was also the place where famous Petran missionary, Junipero Serra was baptized.
GO BIKING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
Petra is highly popular amongst cyclists, the area is perfect for road cycling. To the west, north and south, you can enjoy the many silent and spacious country roads. To the east, you can easily reach the stunning coastlines and many golden beaches. From neighboring area of Manacor, you can catch the Via Verda (Green Way), the only of its kind in Mallorca.
RECTORY
The rectory of Petra is a beautiful little place on the opposite side of the road from the parochial church of Sant Pere. Especially the sculpture in the small garden of a peasant woman representing the agrarian heritage of the area makes it worth a visit.
CONVENT OF SANT BERNADÍ
This stunning old Franciscan convent from the 17th century is evidence of prosperous times in Petra. Moreover, this convent was the place where Junipero Serra received his education and swore forever trust and dedication to the Franciscan order.
MONUMENT OF JUNIPERO SERRA
A small monument constructed in the 20th century to mark the 200th day of Junipero Serra’s death. The monument displays an imagery of the four major stages in his life.
PLACA DE JUNIPERO SERRA
In the main square of Petra, you will find an impressive statue of Fray Junipero Serra put in 2013 to mark the 300th anniversary of his birth. The square is surrounded by palm trees and benches made from stone from the Sant Bernadí convent.
CASA DE LA VILA
The Casa de la Vila is the town hall of Petra. The building was erected in the early 1500’s as the hospital of Petra, another indicator that this town was wealthy and had a big population. It was converted to town hall in 1837, when the clock tower was added. Inside, you can observe the original and interesting paintings of the Serra family, the most noticeable family name in the area.
IMAGE GALLERY
Enjoy some beautiful pictures from Inca
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FAQ
Petra is known for the Mallorcan preacher, Fray Junipero Serra, whom was born in the village and canonicalized in Washinton DC.
You’ll find some great beach within a short drive from Petra, namely the beaches of Porto Cristo, Cala Mendia, s’Illot, Sa Coma and Cala Millor.
Events in Petra
Weekly market in Petra
On Wednesdays the weekly market is held in Petra. This is a traditional fruit and crafts market offering typical Mallorcan commodities from local producers.
Annual events and happenings
January
Festes de Sant Antoni
In most Mallorcan villages, especially those in the rural districts, Sant Antoni is an important saint as he is the protector of domestic animals. On the night of January 16, bonfires are lit all over the town and dances are performed to the sound of traditional Mallorcan music. On January 17, the official day of Sant Antoni, blessings are given by the church.
April
Easter celebrations
Easter is always a great time to visit Mallorca, most villages does a lot to mark this time with festive events. In Petra, one of the unique events happens on the Tuesday after Easter Sunday when a massive picnic for the whole town is arranged where everyone walks from the town to the sanctuary of Bonany.
Support Local
Supporting local communities during your travels can have a profound impact. Stock up with groceries locally, stop in an artisan shop or enjoy a refreshment at a restaurant or bar. Now more than ever, these small businesses need support from travelers near and far.
Get to know the area of Petra
Petra is a town and municipality in the rural region of Mallorca know as “es Pla” or “Pla de Mallorca”. The municipality comprises a surface of 6.998,16 hectares with 1.729,99 of those protected. As of 2018, the population is 2,825 inhabitants.
The main sources of income comes from agricultural activities, mostly cereals, and from production of stones and clay.
History of Petra
The history of human occupation in the municipality of Petra begins in prehistoric times, in the undefined Pre-Talayotic era about 2.400 BC. From this time, a series of natural and human constructed caves has been discovered, such as the Cueva de Son NIVorra, Cueva de Son Roca, Cueva de Son Bacs, Cueva de Ses Cabanasses, Cueva de Es Cabanells Nous, Cueva de Sa Canova D’ariany, Cueva de Ses Comunes Noves and Cueva de Ses Comunes Velles.
From the Talayotic / Talaiotic era (1.100 – 300 BC), some of the excavations include the Talaiot de Son Boscà, Talaiot de So N’homar, Talaiot de Termenor and Talaiot de San Vellana.
All in all, more than 40 archaeological sites are categorized within the municipality borders of Petra, which makes it one of the areas with most prehistoric activity.
In 123 BC, general and consul of Rome, Quintus Caecilius Metellu, conquers Mallorca and makes it part of the Roman empire to prove himself as a master of strategy and warfare. The Romans had been fighting Phoenicians and Carthaginians in the Punic wars for centuries in the Mediterranean region, and Mallorca was a highly strategic point. The Romans left Mallorca in the 5th century AD, and from that time imperial coins and ceramics has been found in the area along with burial sites and funerary gifts. It is uncertain when the Romans left the island, but archaeologists suggest that it was in the 5th century.
Practical Info
Useful Numbers
Emergency: 112
National police: 091
Local police: 092
Guarda civil: 062
Fire: 080
Maritime emergencies: 900 202 202
Town Hall: +34 971 830 000
Public Transport
Train:
T3: Palma - Manacor
Power Supply
220V