Coves and Coastal Landscape

From the residential area of low-rise houses in Betlem, a short walk leads to the coves. The Cales de Betlem are a group of small coves on the coast of Betlem, five kilometres from Colònia de Sant Pere. Sand, stone and rock define the coastal landscape. Some of these coves are only a few metres across. Nearby are Vellmarins Alts and Baixos, two underwater caves. Their name refers to monk seals that lived in this area.

The Ermita de Betlem: History and Art

The Ermita de Betlem is in the vicinity of the destination of Betlem; it is around ten kilometres from Artà and at an altitude of about 280 metres. Members of the hermit communities of San Honorato de Randa and Trinidad de Valldemossa founded it in 1805; it was consecrated in 1818. Its single-nave interior includes a vaulted ceiling with frescoes of the Coronation of Mary by Francesc Parietti and the main altar. Seven paintings by Manuel Bayeu depict scenes from the life of Christ. The Ermita also houses works by the painter Manuel Bayeu (1740–1808) and the sculptor Adrià Ferran (1774–1842). Every year, residents of Artà make a pilgrimage to the Ermita de Betlem.

Artà: Architecture, Events and Routes

Artà has its own historical highlights. Sant Salvador is Artà’s emblematic landmark, situated on a small hill with views over the surrounding area. The complex includes a walled enclosure, a sanctuary and the buildings of Es Donat. The present-day sanctuary was begun in 1825 and consecrated in 1832. Artà is also home to the parish church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, on the slope of Sant Salvador hill; it overlooks the town. Built in the Gothic Revival tradition, it was started in 1573 as a replacement for the medieval church from the 13th century, which had become too small. The parish church has up to 14 small chapels, a 19th-century organ and 20th-century stained-glass windows.

The Teatre Municipal d’Artà regularly presents theatre and other performing arts; its auditorium seats 460. Check the specific programme dates before your trip. The Regional Museum of Artà is next to the town hall and displays stuffed birds and prehistoric objects from archaeological sites in the region, including Ses Païsses. If you travel in September, you can also plan to visit the Fira d’Artà: it takes place on the second Sunday of the month from the morning until about 2 p.m. and offers, among other things, typical Mallorcan foods. Check the annual programme before your trip. The Via Verde between Manacor and Artà is a 29-kilometre former railway line used for walking and cycling, passing through the municipalities of Manacor, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, Son Servera and Artà.

Discover more destinations: Colonia De Sant Pere

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