Oratori de Crestatx

A Medieval Sanctuary in the Countryside

The Oldest Christian Site on Mallorca

Set among fields and olive groves just outside Sa Pobla, the Oratori de Crestatx (Oratory of Santa Margarida) is considered the oldest Christian worship site on the island. Its origins date back to the 13th century, when Mallorca had only recently been reclaimed from Moorish rule. The current building, rebuilt in the early 1800s, still preserves part of the original medieval sacristy, offering a tangible link to the island’s earliest Christian traditions.

Simple Beauty & Sacred Art

The oratory’s modest neo-Romanesque façade gives way to a single-nave interior that radiates quiet reverence. Inside, visitors will find a 17th-century retable dedicated to Santa Margarida, as well as a richly painted “Roser” altarpiece created by the medieval Llopis workshop. Though small, these works of art are treasures of rural Mallorcan devotion, beautifully preserved in this intimate setting.

A Place of Pilgrimage

Crestatx remains a living part of Sa Pobla’s spiritual life. Each year, on the Tuesday after Easter, locals take part in a traditional romeria (pilgrimage), walking from the town to the oratory in a colourful procession. The event combines faith, music, and community spirit, ending with a festive gathering in the surrounding countryside.

Visiting the Oratory

The Oratori de Crestatx is about 4 km from Sa Pobla on the road to Pollença. It’s a peaceful stop for history lovers and those seeking a quiet moment away from the bustle of the town. Access may be limited outside of mass or special events, so it’s worth checking ahead with Sa Pobla’s parish office.