The larger pueblos of Mallorca all seem to have at least two massive big churches, the principal one being the Església Parroquial (Parish Church) and the second one, often as large in size, being the church of the local convent or monastery. Often there is a third or even a fourth church of a smaller size, a chapel perhaps or an oratory, often no longer used on a regular basis.

This arrangement is certainly the case in Porreres where the monastery is dedicated to Sant Felip Neri. I guess that the monastery and its church date from the late 18th century. In the old days, there were six or seven monks living in the large domain, running a school there for the local infants. Only two friars remain nowadays, though. The school has long since been closed down; its premises are used as a general practitioner’s consultancy instead. The monastery’s church, the Oratori de Sant Felip Neri holds regular church services every Sunday at 19h00 in case you should be interested.

Unrelated to this, we celebrate the International Women’s Day today. You better treat your wife/spouse/girlfriend with extra special attention and loving care today.

The photo was taken in Porreres, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: February 5th, 2012. The time was 15:22:32.