Església de la Immaculada de Caimari

Església de la Immaculada de Caimari is the parish church of the small village of Caimari, part of the municipality of Selva in Mallorca, tucked at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.

How do you get there?

Caimari sits in the northern part of the island, a short drive from Inca and close to the road leading up to the monastery of Lluc. Arriving by car is the easiest option — parking is available near the village centre, and from there it's only a brief walk along narrow streets to reach the church. Since the building stands right at the heart of the village, finding it takes no real planning once you're in Caimari itself.

What's the story behind the building?

Locals often call this the "new church," to distinguish it from the older Església Vella, which still stands in the village and served as the main place of worship before this one was built. The current church, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, was raised on the grounds of a former Franciscan convent that had been shut down in 1836 as part of Spain's Desamortización — the state confiscation of church properties. The nuns were never able to raise the funds to re-establish their community, and the site eventually passed to the town council of Caimari, which decided to turn it into a proper parish church. Construction ran from 1877 to 1891, and the building was already functioning as the parish church from 1890, once the growing population of Caimari made a larger place of worship unavoidable.

What will you see there?

The church is defined by a simple, austere form with neoclassical touches — visible in its symmetrical facade and restrained elevation, free of the heavier ornamentation found on many earlier Mallorcan churches. It's a good example of late-19th-century rural religious architecture on the island, where practicality and modesty took priority over decorative flourish.

Why stop in Caimari?

The village itself, known locally as a town of olive groves, is a starting point for some of the best-known walking routes in the Serra de Tramuntana, including stretches of the Ruta de Pedra en Sec (GR-221) and the old path towards the Lluc monastery. A stroll through Caimari with the church as its centrepiece makes a natural stop for anyone exploring the north of the island before or after a day in the mountains, offering a genuine taste of a small Mallorcan village without the crowds found in more touristy towns.

When's the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures suited both to wandering the village and to longer hikes starting nearby. Summer afternoons can get quite hot in this part of the island, so it's worth planning a visit for the morning or late afternoon instead.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the church? It's an active parish church, so access to the interior depends on service times and opening hours — it's best to check locally or ask at the Selva town hall.

How is this church different from Església Vella? Església Vella is the village's original, older church, while this one was built later on the site of the former Franciscan convent and has served as the main parish church since 1890.

How much time should I set aside for Caimari and the church? A walk through the village with a stop at the church takes around 30–45 minutes, though many visitors combine it with a longer hike on the nearby mountain trails.

Are there other things to see nearby? Yes — Caimari borders the routes leading to the Lluc monastery and several Serra de Tramuntana viewpoints, making it a convenient base for anyone interested in hiking.