The Belén de la Sang (Blood Church Nativity Scene) is on display in full for the first time in more than a decade. The Consell de Mallorca has completed the full restoration of the ensemble, considered the oldest Neapolitan-style nativity scene still in use in Europe. From Sunday 5 July, coinciding with the Dia de la Sang (Blood Church feast day), it can once again be visited at the església de l’Anunciació (Church of the Annunciation) in Palma.

Belén de la Sang

Authorities and those responsible for the restoration during the presentation of the fully restored Belén de la Sang. Photo: Consell de Mallorca.

The intervention has made it possible to recover the 31 figures in the sculptural ensemble and return one of Mallorca’s most emblematic heritage elements to the public. Until now, the nativity scene had remained incomplete after more than ten years without being displayed in its entirety.

Work began in March 2025 and has involved an investment of 400,000 euros. In addition to restoring the polychrome and gilded figures, the project has also acted on the chapel itself. Specifically, the walls have been repaired, the old concrete plinth that hindered ventilation has been removed, the cave has been reinforced and the space’s lighting has been renewed.

The intervention was carried out by the joint venture formed by Tracer Conservación y Restauración SL and Carlos Sánchez Gómez. In addition, the restoration team carried out historical and photographic studies, three-dimensional surveys of the pieces, analyses using ultraviolet light and various cleaning tests to ensure the proper conservation of the ensemble.

The restoration of the Belén de la Sang, in two phases

The first phase of the restoration was presented in December 2025. At that time, visitors were already able to see the Baroque cave, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph -dated to around 1480-, the Child Jesus and the five Baroque angels bearing the inscription Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Subsequently, the specialists completed the recovery of the remaining figures. They also restored the original gold leaf, the polychromy and the shine of the gilding, allowing the ensemble to be seen with an appearance very close to that which it had for centuries.

During the presentation of the restoration, the president of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, highlighted that “after more than ten years of neglect, the nativity scene is once again restored and within reach of all Mallorcans”.

For her part, the vice-president and councillor for Culture and Heritage, Antònia Roca, underlined the ensemble’s cultural and spiritual value and invited the public to rediscover one of the island’s most important heritage symbols.

From this Sunday, the ensemble will remain open to visitors so that the public can once again contemplate one of Europe’s most unique historic nativity scenes.