A Sacred Crossroad Steeped in History
Miraculous Origins and Sacred Tradition
Roughly 500 meters from the heart of Porreres, the Oratori de Santa Creu stands at an ancient crossroads on the road toward Montuïri. It was inspired by the "Creu d'en Net", a boundary cross revered in the 17th century for its reputed healing powers. After numerous accounts of miraculous cures, the faithful erected a chapel around the cross in 1722, cementing the site’s place as a spiritual landmark.
Growth Through Community Reverence
As devotion grew, the chapel underwent a major expansion in 1843, carried out entirely through community volunteer work and funded by charitable donations. It reopened in its enlarged form in 1864, a symbol of local faith and collective dedication.
A Place of Remembrance and Reflection
The Oratori’s peaceful setting masks a darker history. In 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, the rear wall of the chapel was used as an execution site, with around 130 victims buried in nearby mass graves. Today, the site serves as both a place of worship and a memorial, honouring those lost and preserving the memory of this tragic chapter.
Visiting the Oratori de Santa Creu
Easily reached by foot or car from Porreres’ centre, the chapel offers a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. Whether visiting for its spiritual heritage, its historical significance, or simply to pause in peaceful surroundings, the Oratori de Santa Creu remains one of the village’s most poignant landmarks.
Address: MA-5030A, 07260 Porreres, Illes Balears, Spain