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Welcome to the Botanical Garden of Lluc, situated at 500m above sea level in the heart of the Tramutana mountain range.
The garden was originally laid out in 1956 as a place of rest and meditation for the religious community. It was made up mainly of native plants, which were best adapted to the rocky terrain and extreme temperatures of the area.
By the early 1980s the fame of the garden had spread, and it began to receive an increasing number of visitors, not just tourists but also students and botanists who were keen to learn more about the native flora of Mallorca. As a result, between 1993 and 2001, the garden was gradually remodelled and enlarged.
The creative force behind the conservation of the garden has been Brother Macià Ripoll, Missionary of the Sacred Hearts and native of Esporles, who has been helped by a group of old “Blavets” and other friends of the monastery.
Currently there are around 200 native varieties of plants, including one species from Menorca which is now extinct on the island, another which is in danger of extinction, and found only on the Puig Major, and a species of fern found only in Deià.
Every care has been taken to show the plants, trees and bushes in a natural as possible environment. The gardens also make great use of water: not only for the aquatic plants, but also because it attracts birds to drink there during the driest months of the summer.
As well as native plants there is an area given over to aromatic and medicinal herbs; an Arboretum of trees from temperate zones around the world, and another of ornamental plants from Mediterranean countries.
There is also a selection of some of the oldest species of fruit trees from our island, including gingol (Chinese date), quince, walnut and fig trees.
We hope that the garden is contributing to a wider knowledge and respect for nature. Please come back again: the garden is here to be enjoyed.
Opening hours 10.00-13.00 and 15.00-18.00.
Entry is free, with a voluntary contribution.
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