Sineu Day Market

History #

Palma – the one and only capital of Mallorca? What we might take for granted was not always so. King Jaume II, who reigned from 1276-1311, chose Sineu as his place of residence due to its perfect location in the exact geographical centre of the Island making it equally easy to reach from all parts. Eventually, he even chose a castle dating back to Arab times to convert into a palace. It was here that his son, the unfortunate Jaume III, called the Rash, saw the last days of his life before he died in the Battle of Llucmajor in 1349. The palace was later turned into a monastery which it is to this day.

Local Sights #

Lovers of architecture will find many a gem on a leisurely walk through the old town of Sineu a special highlight being the parish church of Santa Maria with its massive bell tower (one of the highest in Mallorca!). Also worth seeing are the many fine mansions, the local hospital, founded in 1240 (one of the oldest on the Island), the bridge Pontet de Santa Bárbara, the Boundary Crosses (Cruces de Término), the basilica of Sant-Francesc-Kloster, the Rectory and the Plaza des Fossar, and, of course, the former royal palace and now monastery Immaculada Concepción.

Fun & Sports #

The spacious grounds of Golf Park Puntiró offer an interesting parcours for golfers of all levels in a very natural and open environment.

https://www.golfparkmallorca.com/?lang=en

Sineu is also a starting point for many cycling routes and the nationally, and internationally renowned pro cyclist Francisco Tortellà was born here in 1937.

The Local Market #

08:00-13:00, Wednesday

It was also King Jaume II who granted Sineu market rights in 1306, turning the town into a major trading centre and starting a tradition that survived the ages and has given Sineu its biggest tourist attraction. The traditional economic mainstay of old Mallorquin life being agriculture, it was and is mainly livestock, agricultural produce and crafts articles people come to sell and buy.

Sineu is one of the few livestock markets still in existence on Mallorca, although the numbers of farm animals to be seen is rapidly declining. This said, the market is well worth a visit as it gives a look into the traditional agriculture of the Island, and fruits and vegetables offered are sourced from farmers around town – and at affordable prices.

AM Tip for lovers of local crafts: Remember to check out the locally-made footwear!

Food & Drink #

Sineu has many authentic Mallorquin restaurants, bars and cafe's located around the centre of town. Sa Fabrica Comes recomended for its exceptional meat dishes.

Fiestas & Annual Highlights #

Apart from the famous Wednesday market, on the first weekend of May Sineu is host to the biggest agricultural spring fair on the island. The Fira Sant Marc is a lively event, featuring a multitude of agricultural expositions, animal shows, as well as a crafts and art market.

Living and buying in Sineu #

Properties in and around Sineu are far more affordable than those closer to the coastline or in Palma. Friends of AM founder Memphis Holland just bought a house there. It was in good working orderBy, electrical wires and plumbing had just been replaced, and new stairs to the deck and a new pump for the pool been put in. The asking price was 245,000 Euros. After a bit of bargaining with sellers who were of advanced age, they settled on a price tag of 183,000 Euros.

Read about their experience as new residents in our article Sineu – A Vibrant

Charm factor #

A beautiful old town, a lively, welcoming community, a wide range of lovely little shops for crafts, flowers, home décor, the opportunity to shop locally grown fruit and veg at affordable prices – Sineu has much to offer for the seekers of traditional Mallorquín life.

Sources:

https://www.northsouthguides.com/mallorca_history.html

http://www.mallorcadaysout.com/7.3.html

https://ibestat.caib.es/ibestat/inici

http://www.sitiodeciclismo.net/coureurfiche.php?coureurid=16603