Petra, Mallorca – Birthplace of Fray Junípero Serra
A Quiet Village in the Pla de Mallorca
Located in the rural Pla de Mallorca, Petra is a small inland village with deep historical and religious roots. Best known as the birthplace of missionary Fray Junípero Serra, it attracts visitors interested in culture, history, and authentic Mallorcan life. With its stone streets, peaceful squares, and wine-making traditions, Petra is a true window into the island’s heritage.
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🏛️ Things to Do in Petra
Petra may be quiet, but it offers plenty to explore if you enjoy culture, history, and rural Mallorca.
🏛️ Fray Junípero Serra Museum
Dedicated to Petra’s most famous son, this museum showcases the life and legacy of the missionary who founded several cities in California, including San Francisco.
⛪ Convent of Sant Bernardí
A Franciscan convent dating back to the 17th century, still a place of religious devotion and history.
🥂 Local Wineries
The surrounding countryside is part of Mallorca’s wine-growing region. Small bodegas around Petra welcome visitors for tastings.
🚶 Village Walks
Petra’s narrow streets and stone houses invite slow exploration. Stop at the main square, Plaça Ramon Llull, with its cafés and local atmosphere.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Petra has a handful of restaurants and traditional cellers, where you can try Mallorcan classics like sobrasada, tumbet, or pa amb oli. These are authentic, family-run places offering local wine and hearty dishes.
🏨 Where to Stay
Petra is not a tourist-heavy village, so accommodation tends to be small rural hotels, agroturismos, and holiday rentals. Many are located just outside the village, surrounded by vineyards and countryside.
📜 History & Did You Know?
- Petra is the birthplace of Fray Junípero Serra (1713–1784), a Franciscan friar who became a key missionary in New Spain and California.
- He founded nine of California’s 21 missions, including those in San Diego and San Francisco.
- The town square features a statue of Serra, a reminder of Petra’s global religious influence.
- Agriculture and wine have shaped Petra’s economy for centuries — still visible in its rural surroundings.
🚗 From Palma to Petra
Driving from Palma city centre takes about 45 minutes (47 km) via the Ma-15 motorway. Trains from Palma to Manacor stop at Petra station, making it one of the easier Pla de Mallorca villages to reach without a car.
Is Petra worth visiting?
Yes – it’s one of Mallorca’s most culturally significant villages, especially for those interested in history, religion, or wine.
Can you visit the Fray Junípero Serra Museum?
Yes, it’s open to the public with exhibits on Serra’s life and influence in Mallorca and California.
What’s Petra like to stay in?
It’s quiet and rural, ideal for travellers who want peace, nature, and authentic Mallorcan life.
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