Santa Maria de Robines

Santa Maria de Robines is the parish church of Binissalem, a town at the heart of Mallorca's wine-growing region. It stands right in the middle of town, on the square that now bears its name, and has remained the most recognisable landmark in Binissalem for generations.

Where does the name come from?

The name recalls Robines, the settlement's original name after the Catalan conquest of Mallorca in the 13th century. The first church on this site was built as early as 1248, shortly after the area was resettled by Catalan colonists. The building standing today is actually the third church erected on the same spot — its predecessors did not survive and were replaced by larger, sturdier structures over the centuries. Interestingly, the current dedication to Santa Maria de Robines was only adopted in 1986; before that the church was known successively as Sant Jaume and then Nuestra Señora Asunta (Our Lady of the Assumption).

What will you see inside and out?

The main structure dates mostly from the 18th century and follows a Baroque style, though clear traces of earlier Gothic phases remain visible. The clearest examples are the vaulted ceilings of two side chapels flanking the apse, and the main portal, framed by an archivolt — a moulded arch typical of medieval church design. The true symbol of the town, however, is the bell tower: its base dates back to the 15th century, while the upper, neo-Gothic section was completed in 1908. This tower is visible from a distance and serves as a landmark for anyone approaching Binissalem.

The church faces the former Plaza de los Lledoners, redeveloped in the 19th century into the town's main square, today known as Plaza de la Iglesia. This is where local life happens, with modest surrounding buildings framing the church's imposing façade.

How do you get there?

Binissalem sits in central Mallorca, about 20 kilometres from Palma, along the main route linking the island's capital with Inca. The town has its own railway station on the Palma–Inca–Manacor line, making it one of the most accessible day-trip destinations on the island — the walk from the station to the church takes just a few minutes through the historic centre. As the heart of town, the church sits right on the main square, so it's impossible to miss.

When should you visit?

Binissalem is the capital of Mallorca's Denominación de Origen wine region, so the best time to visit is September, during the well-known Grape Harvest Festival (Festa des Vermar) — several days of festivities, tastings and parades centred on the square in front of the church. Outside harvest season, the town and its church can be explored calmly year-round, well away from the crowds typical of the coast.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the church? It functions as an active parish church, so access to the interior depends on mass times and opening hours — it's worth checking the notices posted at the entrance outside of services.

How old is the building? The site's history goes back to 1248, but the current structure — the third built here — dates mainly from the 18th century, with Gothic elements surviving from earlier centuries.

Why is the bell tower so important to locals? It is Binissalem's most recognisable architectural feature — its base is over 500 years old, and its upper section was finished in neo-Gothic style in the early 20th century.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — the square by the church is the centre of a town famous for its vineyards, surrounded by wine cellars (bodegas) and tasting spots within easy walking distance.