Església i convent de Sant Vicenç Ferrer

In the heart of Manacor, a charming town on the island of Mallorca, Spain, stands the magnificent Església i convent de Sant Vicenç Ferrer, also known locally as Iglesia y Convento de San Vicente Ferrer. This historic Dominican convent, with its baroque church and cloister, dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries and remains one of the most emblematic historical and artistic ensembles in the region.

The Historical Journey of Església i Convent de Sant Vicenç Ferrer

The story of Església i convent de Sant Vicenç Ferrer begins in 1576 when the Dominican Order officially established itself in Manacor. With the authorization of King Philip II, the first community of Dominicans settled in the town, erecting a modest chapel dedicated to Saint Vincent Ferrer, who had preached in the area a century earlier. The Dominicans acquired adjacent lands, and over the course of the 17th century, the convent complex took shape. By 1627, the church was completed, although its decoration was still in progress. The construction of the cloister began in 1617, and the Chapel of the Rosary was initiated in 1692.

The Architectural Marvels

The Església i convent de Sant Vicenç Ferrer is a splendid example of baroque conventual architecture in Mallorca. The church itself follows the basic traits of a baroque conventual church, featuring a single nave with lateral chapels, five on each side, and a trapezoidal apse. The choir, located at the foot of the church, is supported by a large arch and a ribbed vault. The barrel vault ceiling, supported by transverse arches, rests on an entablature that runs above the pilasters with composite capitals attached to the lateral walls. Each chapel is opened under a semicircular arch.

The facade of the church is notable for its pronounced flatness, featuring a portal set within a semicircular arch, and aligned above it, a combination of a twin window and a rose window. The triangular gable is topped with a statue of Saint Vincent Ferrer, though the statue is currently missing a hand due to vandalism. The church's bell tower, with its rectangular base and pyramidal crown, breaks the symmetry of the overall structure. A sundial is prominently displayed on the southwest side of the tower.

The Cloister and Its Transformations

The cloister of the Església i convent de Sant Vicenç Ferrer is a rectangular space surrounded by a double gallery with a ground floor and an upper floor. The gallery is articulated with segmental arches resting on octagonal pillars adorned with spiral fluting. The central courtyard features a garden space with a cistern topped by an iron structure and a Dominican cross.

Throughout its history, the cloister has undergone numerous modifications. Following the Mendizábal confiscation in 1835, the cloister passed into state hands and was repurposed for various administrative, educational, and penal uses. The most significant transformation was the construction of a prison within the cloister. Despite these changes, the cloister was declared a national monument in 1919, which prevented its demolition. Today, it serves as an open plaza, a space for transit and communication for the people of Manacor.

The Chapel of the Rosary

The Chapel of the Rosary, or Capella del Roser, was constructed in 1692 and is stylistically aligned with the baroque tradition. This chapel, located between two buttresses of the church, introduces a sense of monumentality with its single space covered by a hemispherical dome supported by composite pillars. The chapel's ornate design reflects the baroque aesthetic that was prevalent in Manacor during the modern era.

The Baroque Organ

An outstanding feature of the church is its baroque pipe organ, adorned with paintings of various string and wind instruments. The proposal to build an organ for the Dominican convent was made on August 14, 1600. In recent years, the convent has hosted an organ music festival, aimed at raising funds for the restoration of this historical instrument.

The Altarpieces

The baroque perception of the conventual church is further emphasized by the liturgical objects, such as the altarpieces that fill the chapels. These altarpieces develop an iconographic program dedicated to the veneration of saints and the devotions of the Dominican Order. The main altarpiece is dedicated to Saint Vincent Ferrer, occupying the entire width and height of the altar space. It features freestanding sculptures, reliefs, and oil paintings on canvas, all gilded and polychromed, making it a significant liturgical instrument and a testament to the baroque aesthetic in Manacor.

The Town Hall Facade

When the town hall was moved to the former cloister, a series of renovations were undertaken, including a new exterior configuration. The facade features a round arch entrance adorned with a garland and the coat of arms of Manacor. A prominent balcony window is located above the entrance. The facade's design combines regionalist and baroque elements, creating a distinctive architectural style.

Today, the Església i convent de Sant Vicenç Ferrer stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Manacor. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and continued use as a public space make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the island of Mallorca.