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Mallorca : Valldemossa

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Valldemossa

★ ★ ★ ★ ½
4.5 /5  (15 votes)
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  • This small, picturesque town in the mountains is arguably where Mallorcan tourism began one cold winter in 1838, when the composer Frédéric Chopin and his lover, the female writer George Sand, rented some rooms at the former monastery here. Shunned by locals, the couple had a miserable time, as portrayed in Sand’s book, A Winter in Majorca. However, Mallorcans today are proud of their Chopin-Sand connection, and the book is sold in every tourist shop.

    The former monastery, also referred to as the Charterhouse, is Mallorca’s second most-visited building after Palma’s cathedral For highlights of the Museu Municipal de Valldemossa, which is set within the former monastery, (see Museu Municipal de Valldemossa)
Top 10 Sights
  • 1. Former Monastery Complex

    The town’s top attraction is the former monastery where Chopin and Sand stayed, which also incorporates a palace and an excellent municipal museum (see Museu Municipal de Valldemossa). Given to the Carthusian Order in 1399, the estate was a monastery until 1835, when all religious orders were ousted from the island. It was bought by a French banker who rented the rooms to Chopin.

  • 2. Monastery: Church

    The Neoclassical church has a cupola decorated with frescoes by Fray Bayeu, the brother-in-law of Francisco de Goya. It is distinguished by barrel vaulting and gilt-edged stucco work.

  • Monastery: Cloisters 3. Monastery: Cloisters
    3. Monastery: Cloisters

    From the church, you can enter the atmospheric cloisters, known as the Myrtle Court. Around them are six chapels and ten spacious monks’ cells.

  • Monastery: Pharmacy 4. Monastery: Pharmacy
    4. Monastery: Pharmacy

    Laden with tinctures and elixirs, a deconsecrated chapel recreates the estate’s original pharmacy. George Sand bought marshmallow here in an attempt to cure Chopin’s tuberculosis.

  • 5. Monastery: Prior’s Cell

    The head monk had a private oratory, magnificent library, elegant audience chamber, bedroom, dining room, Ave María (praying alcove) and, of course, a sumptuous garden.

  • Monastery: Cells 2 and 4 6. Monastery: Cells 2 and 4
    6. Monastery: Cells 2 and 4

    Said to be the rooms that Chopin and Sand rented, they are full of memorabilia, including Chopin’s piano, Sand’s manuscripts, busts and portraits.

  • 7. Monastery: Palace

    The core of the monastery was originally the site of the palace built by Jaume II for his son Sanç. The rooms are regally decorated – an especially beautiful piece is the 12th-century wood-carving of the Madonna and Child.

  • Old Town 8. Old Town
    8. Old Town

    The old town spills down a hillside, surrounded by farming terraces and marjades (stone walls) created 1,000 years ago by the Moors. The name “Valldemossa” derives from that of the original Moorish landowner, Muza.

  • 9. Church of Sant Bartomeu

    Near the bottom of the old town, a rustic, Baroque-style church is dedicated to one of the patron saints of the town. It was built in 1245, shortly after Jaume I conquered Mallorca, and extended in the early 18th century. The bell tower and façade date from 1863.

  • 10. Birthplace of Santa Catalina Thomás

    Mallorca’s only saint, Catalina Thomàs (known affectionately as the “Beatata” for both her saintliness and diminutive stature), was born in 1533 at a house on C/Rectoría, 5. The house was converted into an oratory in 1792 and features saintly scenes and a statue of the “Beatata” holding a bird.

Practical Information
The best views of the town, with its beautiful green-tiled bell tower, are those as you approach from the north. If you arrive by car, park in one of the municipal car parks with automatic meters, then explore the town on foot. One of the most developed tourist towns in Mallorca, Valldemossa has many good dining options. Costa Nord de Valldemossa (Avda. Palma, 6, 971 612425) offers a superb Mediterranean-style menu and great views. Monastery and Museum Mar–Oct: 9:30am–6pm Mon–Sat, 10am–1:30pm Sun; Nov–Feb: 9:30am– 4:30pm Mon–Sat Adm €6.95 for both
Miguel Corral
Miguel Corral
★ ★ ★ ★

The mini piano concert celebrated at the Palace of king Sancho it really worth it, it is especially good and enhanced the visit of the whole complex of " la Cartuja ".

about 2 months ago

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