Sa Sínia

Sa Sínia is a historic public well in Santa Maria del Camí, Mallorca, standing on Plaça dels Hostals at the spot where the old roads to Sóller and Inca meet. It is one of only two surviving public wells in town — the other being the nearby Can Cerdó well — and it is the one with by far the richest documented history, stretching back to the 17th century.

Where does the well come from?

The earliest written mention of the well as a shared water source dates to 1643. Some local historians point out that the massive stone blocks forming its inner walls could be older still, possibly dating to the Talayotic period, the prehistoric Mediterranean culture that flourished before the Roman conquest. That origin remains a theory rather than an established fact, based on the scale and character of the stonework rather than direct dating evidence.

How did the well change over the centuries?

The story of Sa Sínia is largely the story of the fight for water in the dry climate of inland Mallorca. After a severe drought in 1670, the well was deepened and fitted with a new collar, work that was paid for and completed by 1673. The following year an arcade and a pulley-and-rope system were added to make drawing water easier. The bottom was cleaned in 1680, and further repairs were carried out by Macià Mesquida in 1759.

By 1850 the well had reached a depth of 108 spans, an old unit of length equivalent to roughly 18 metres. In 1893 a hand-cranked manual pump was installed, making the well easier to use. A few years later, in 1897, rainwater drainage was redirected into the well — a decision that ended up contaminating the water and forced a thorough cleaning in 1905.

The early 20th century brought further hardship: droughts in 1912–1913 forced residents to haul water in from neighbouring towns. In 1932 the well was modernised with a piston pump and an electric meter, but the storage tank added at the time disrupted the monument's historic appearance.

What does it look like today?

A full restoration took place in 1992 under mayor Mateu Morro i Marcé, with the stonework carried out by master masons from Binissalem and funding channelled through the Consell de Mallorca via the Fodesma agency. The work returned Sa Sínia to something close to its historic form.

The structure sits on a mound measuring 4.2 by 3.6 metres and 60 centimetres high, topped by a rectangular collar 80 centimetres tall. Its most distinctive features are two pointed arches with semicircular inner arcs, resting on four stone pillars, along with a wooden pulley wheel and a semicircular water basin.

What should visitors know before going?

The well sits right in the centre of Santa Maria del Camí, on a small square at the crossing of the old roads to Sóller and Inca, making it an easy stop while exploring the town itself. Nearby, at Plaça Hostals 20, a restaurant called Celler Sa Sini takes its name from the landmark and serves traditional Mallorcan food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sa Sínia? It is a historic public well with a pulley system, one of only two surviving wells in Santa Maria del Camí, documented since 1643.

Where exactly is it located? On Plaça dels Hostals in Santa Maria del Camí, at the point where the old Camí de Sóller and Camí d'Inca roads meet.

Can visitors see the well up close? Yes, it stands on an open public square in the town centre and can be viewed year-round.

When was the well restored? A complete restoration was carried out in 1992, which recovered the original stonework and historic appearance of the structure.