Ermita de Betlem - 200 years old monastery near Artá

The Ermita de Betlem (Hermitage of Bethlehem) is a 200-year-old hermitage that was used as a monastery by the monks of the Ermitanos de San Pablo San Antonio order. In 2010, the last monks there went into retirement.

Hermitage with monastery chapel

The hermitage Ermita de Betlem is located in the eastern ridge of Majorca, the Serra de Llevant, at an altitude of 280 m above sea level. It was founded in 1805 and the few buildings remaining from the former monastery stand on the foundations of an old watchtower. At the end of an avenue lined with tall cypress trees rises the neoclassical chapel, which is open to visitors. The sacred building has a cross-shaped floor plan and the interior features a sumptuous marble altar.

Frescoes cover the ceiling of the chapel and painted tiles adorn the entrance portal. Among the treasures in the Ermita de Betlem is a statue of Christ given to the monks for the consecration of the holy site. The inhabitants of the small town of Artá venerate the statue and make a pilgrimage each year on 1st May to the monastery chapel.

Getting to the Ermita de Betlem

The Ermita de Betlem is located on the North east coast Mallorca and the journey can be made in different ways. The journey by rental car is quick and easy on a narrow winding road that meanders through the mountain landscape. There is a vantage point, where you can stop to enjoy the scenery about one kilometer from the end of the road.

There you will enjoy a magnificent view of the bay of Alcúdia in the north of Mallorca. The hermitage can also be accessed by Hiking in Mallorca starting from the village of Betlem, which gave the hermitage its name. Shortly before arrival, you will pass the Sa Font spring, which is bordered by an artificial grotto with a Marian Shrine. The trail is five kilometres long and boasts some fantastic views.